The TOOL4LIFE is four steps you can use to assist someone who may be considering suicide..
As always, CALL 911 if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, and DO IT NOW! You will be saving a life.
The TOOL4LIFE is based on the acronym BEAR. This is a useful tool to assist someone to safety. Use the tool anytime you believe a friend or classmate is considering suicide as a solution.
The first step, BE AVAILABLE, is the key to being able to assist someone to choose life. Letting them know you are there to help is a huge first step. This tells them they are not alone.
The second step, ENCOURAGE, comes in different forms. You encourage by your presence, by your active listening without judging, by your love and empathy. Remember you are not their to fix a problem but to come along side and encourage dialogue. Your presence in these times is very important and can be comforting.
The third step, ASK HARD QUESTIONS, is the key to knowing where to go to get assistance for your friend. It is known that approximately 80% of suicidal teens will talk about suicide and give hints that they are contemplating suicide. If you ask tough questions, like: Are you thinking of killing yourself?, How will you do it? When will you do it? You will receive answers, that in most cases, will give you an idea if suicide is an option being considered. If you get an answer to these questions, that points to suicide, it is time to act to help save your friends life.
Lastly , the forth step, RESPOND-REFER 4 LIFE, is the step that spurs you into action to ASSIST4LIFE. Decide now that you are willing to respond to this cry for assistance and that you are going to refer you friend to the resources necessary to assist them. The resource may be 911, or it may be a school counselor. Either way you need to know what resources are available and to act on them. Remember you are not telling on your friend, you are saving their life.