Important: If Step 3 does not resolve the crisis or lower the risk, use Step 4.
Then, have the individual identify several people who are supportive that they can talk to when they’re under stress. It is important for them to identify multiple people, in case one contact is unreachable.
Help them prioritize the list based on who they feel most comfortable reaching out to. You can help them role play and rehearse how they can go about asking for help. Additionally, try to discuss potential obstacles that might prevent the individual from reaching out and help them problem solve.
This step is important because the individual reveals to others that they are in crisis, and increases the likelihood that they can get the help they need.
Consider these questions:
- Among their family or friends, who do they think they could contact for help during a crisis?
- Who is supportive of them and who do they feel that they can talk with when they’re under stress?