Talking about suicide opens the door to listening, support, and hope. Sometimes a word, sincere gesture, or caring conversation is all it takes to start a dialogue about suicide and promote good mental health.

Learn how to initiate the conversation and discover resources to support your loved ones and help them feel better.

Talking about suicide can save lives

According to the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), suicide is a major public safety issue—approximately three Quebecers die by suicide every day.

Despite this reality, the stigma surrounding mental health and suicidal ideation persists. Too many people are hesitant to share their distress for fear of “bothering” others or being judged or misunderstood. What’s more, many are reluctant to talk about suicide with their loved ones, whether due to fear of judgment or fear of rekindling their own suffering and dark thoughts. And yet, talking about it and lending a sympathetic ear to others creates a safe space, breaks isolation, and encourages people to seek help.

What’s the best way to start the conversation?

Talking about suicide is never easy, but it’s often a crucial first step in breaking the silence and offering support.

Are you worried about a loved one? Here are a few tips to get the conversation going:

• Choose a quiet moment and a spot that’s conducive to discussion.
• Express your concerns with care.
• Ask open-ended questions to encourage dialogue.
• Listen without judging, interrupting, or suggesting generic solutions.
• Remind the other person that they’re not alone and that you love them and are there for them.

How do you talk to kids and teens about suicide?

Young people, especially teens, often face unique challenges that require a different approach.

Here are more best practices for broaching this sensitive topic with young people:

• Don’t dismiss their emotions or minimize what they’re going through.
• Accept them without judgment, whatever their problems or differences.
• Help them recognize and name their emotions.
• Create a climate of trust where young people feel free to share their struggles.
• Encourage them to explore new interests and activities.
• Talk to them about your own life experiences.
• Refer them to specialized resources as needed.

Red flags

Recognizing suicide red flags as early as possible is essential in order to prevent the individual from acting out and direct them to the right support services. The warning signs of suicide can be subtle, but they should never be taken lightly: it’s better to act as a precaution than to regret not having done so!

Here are a few things to watch for:

• Sudden or gradual social isolation
• Loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy
• Negative talk, including mentions of despair, uselessness, or death
• Atypical irritability or an increase in anxiety
• Marked changes in sleeping habits or appetite
• Neglected personal hygiene
• Addiction issues (alcohol or drugs)
• Giving away personal items for no apparent reason

A few support resources and phone numbers

If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, free, 24/7 support is available across Quebec.

Phone

• 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553), a 24/7 suicide help line
• Call 911 if there is an imminent risk of harm

Text

• 535353, a chat service available throughout Quebec

Online

• The suicide.ca site offers several support resources
• Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (AQPS)

In person

• Regional crisis centres for immediate support
• Local community service centres (CLSCs) and health professionals in your area
• Community organizations specializing in mental health

How can you help keep dark thoughts at bay?

Healthy lifestyle habits play a key role in protecting mental health and reducing the risk of distress on a daily basis, which in turn decreases a person’s risk of suicide.

Here are a few essential practices to promote well-being:

• Maintain a regular sleep routine to stabilize your mood.
• Be physically active at least three times a week (moderate exercise is fine!).
• Maintain social ties and avoid isolation.
• Eat a balanced diet that supports brain health.
• Learn and practise stress management techniques, such as meditation.
• Limit the use of alcohol and drugs, which can amplify dark thoughts.

Debunking myths and stereotypes

Although mental health is better understood today, there are still many false beliefs that can hamper prevention and reinforce the stigma surrounding suicide.

Here are a few common preconceived notions that are simply false:

• Talking about suicide gives you ideas: Talking about suicide doesn’t encourage people to do it—quite the contrary!
• People who talk about suicide never actually do it: Most people who die by suicide either told someone about their distress or indirectly hinted at it.
• Suicide occurs without warning: There are often signs, though sometimes subtle, such as isolation, mood swings, or talk about despair.
• A suicide attempt is just a cry for help: Any suicide attempt must be taken seriously: the risk of reoccurrence is very real and as such, appropriate support is vital.

Debunking myths and stereotypes about suicide helps foster a climate of trust in which people in distress can share their feelings without fear of being judged.

What treatments and therapeutic approaches are available?

Managing suicidal distress requires a combination of complementary approaches tailored to a person’s individual needs.

• Individual or group psychotherapy: Psychotherapy provides a safe space to explore difficult thoughts and develop coping strategies for suicidal ideation. It helps the person understand the sources of their distress and gradually build resilience mechanisms.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): This approach aims to change the negative thought patterns that maintain suffering. By working on beliefs, behaviours, and emotional reactions, CBT helps people develop constructive thought patterns that improve their ability to handle difficulties.
• Support groups: Support groups encourage participants to help each other and share their experience with others going through similar struggles. This sense of belonging and mutual understanding these groups provide can break isolation and offer invaluable day-to-day support.
• Medication: Medication prescribed by a doctor can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other disorders that increase suicide risk. It is often used in combination with psychotherapy to maximize benefits.
• Combined monitoring by a psychologist and a doctor: This integrated approach addresses both the psychological and medical aspects of distress. By working together, health care professionals offer comprehensive support that promotes continuity and more personalized care.
• Specialized psychiatric services: This option is best for more complex situations, where the person is at high risk of suicide or has severe mental health problems. These services provide intensive, tailored care, often in a hospital or specialized setting.

Medication: When and how?

Medication can be an important component in the treatment of suicidal distress, particularly in cases involving major depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health problems. Medication can ease some of the symptoms that amplify suffering and support recovery.

However, regular medical follow-up is essential to adjust dosage and assess treatment efficacy. Side effects should also be closely monitored and discussed with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure safe and appropriate management.

Commonly prescribed medications include the following:

• Antidepressants to regulate mood and treat symptoms of depression
• Anxiolytics to reduce anxiety and agitation
• Mood stabilizers, especially for bipolar disorders
• Antipsychotics, used when distress is associated with psychotic disorders

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business

Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility, based above all on dialogue, listening, and caring. By recognizing the signs of distress, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and knowing the resources that are available, we can all play a vital role in preventing suicide.

Therapeutic approaches, whether psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two, offer effective solutions tailored to the needs of each individual. Thanks to their accessibility and expertise, pharmacists also play an important role in providing information, reassurance, and referrals to the right services.

By breaking the code of silence and talking openly about suicide, we can help build a society where asking for help becomes natural, valued, and accessible for all. Together, we have the power to reduce stigma, ease suffering, and save lives.

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Last updated on November 4, 2025