It could take just one conversation to pull someone from the edge, one conversation to let someone know that they are seen, heard, loved, and valued, but first, we need to start talking.

Over 700,000 people worldwide die every year due to suicide, and beyond that, there are even more who attempt or contemplate taking their own life. Research has shown that people who struggle with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts don’t speak to anyone about their experience until they have taken actions toward attempting.

So where do you start?

Recognizing the signs both in yourself and those around you is crucial. Signs that someone is thinking about suicide include:

• Talking about death, guilt or shame, and feeling like they are a burden to others.
• Expressing feeling: empty, hopeless, trapped, more anxious, sad, or agitated than usual.
• Changes in behavior: eating/sleeping less, using drugs/alcohol more often, displaying extreme mood swings, withdrawing/isolating, and taking steps toward planning for after their death.

What comes next is reaching out.

The top reason why people don’t seek help is because they associate the state of their mental health with feeling shame, weakness or disgrace. So, removing those negative connotations from the conversation and affirming to them that they can discuss their experience openly, honestly, and without judgment could ease them into sharing.

Checking in and prompting the topic could save them from spiraling too far. The key is to approach with an open mind and allow them to lead the conversation with what they are comfortable sharing. It is important not to push them too hard.

For immediate assistance in the U.S. call or text “HELLO” 988, or go to 988lifeline.org. For additional support and resources visit iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/.