Responding to a Person in Distress

When responding to a person in distress, you want to ASSIST.

Affirm/validate and ask: "I can see how that would be frustrating. Thank you for sharing this with me. How can I help?"

Summarize to check for understanding

Share resources

Identify support systems

Stay: do not leave them alone until they are in the hands of professional help

Take care of yourself as a helper

Source: Ratliff, K. M. (2018, September). Suicide Prevention Awareness. Active Minds of American Public University System Suicide Prevention Symposium.