Your friend may ask you to keep it secret. Do not. Telling a safe adult is an act of care, even if your friend is angry at first.
If there is immediate physical danger, an active attempt, or a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.
What you can do now
Take these steps in order.
1
Stay with your friend if you can do so safely.
2
Tell a trusted adult exactly what was said or posted.
3
Call or text 988 with an adult for guidance.
Words you can use
Copy, send, or say this:
“My friend said they do not want to be alive. I do not want to keep this secret. Can you help us right now?”
What you can say to your friend
Try: “I care about you too much to keep this secret. I am going to get an adult, and I will stay with you while we do it.” Do not debate whether their problems are “bad enough.”
Who to tell
A parent or caregiver
A teacher, school counselor, nurse, or coach
A relative or trusted neighbor
A friend’s parent
A 988 crisis counselor
If the concern came from a post or message
Save enough information to show a trusted adult, report urgent safety concerns through the platform, and contact emergency help if there is immediate danger. Do not spread screenshots, rumors, or private details among classmates.
You are not responsible for doing this alone
You can listen and stay kind, but you are not your friend’s therapist or only safety plan. Adults and qualified professionals must take over the safety work.
Take care of yourself afterward
It is normal to feel scared, angry, guilty, or exhausted. Talk with a trusted adult about how the experience affected you. Getting help for yourself does not take help away from your friend.
Foundational health and safety guidance grounded in cited national sources. Qualified clinical and suicide-prevention review is required before broad public promotion.
