Someone Is Struggling

You've noticed something is wrong with someone you care about. They're withdrawing, drinking more, not themselves. You want to say something but you're afraid of making it worse. This skill gives you the exact words, the things to avoid, and the steps that actually help — based on Mental Health First Aid, QPR (Question Persuade Refer), and crisis intervention training.

Sources & Verification

• QPR method: QPR Institute, QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention, qprinstitute.com — evidence-based gatekeeper training used by SAMHSA
• Mental Health First Aid: National Council for Mental Wellbeing, mentalhealthfirstaid.org — peer-reviewed curriculum adapted from Australian model
• Asking about suicide does not increase risk: Dazzi, T. et al., "Does asking about suicide and self-harm increase the risk? A systematic review," Psychological Medicine, 2014 (DOI: 10.1017/S0033291714001299)
• Connectedness as protective factor: CDC, "Suicide Prevention Resource for Action," 2022 (cdc.gov/suicide/resources)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org — verified active as of March 2026
• Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741, crisistextline.org

When to Use