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Practice ACE: You’ve identified a peer who is having difficulties and showing some warning signs of suicide, the next thing to do is gather information about what’s going on, and then determine a course of action. The acronym ACE is an easy way to remember what to do if you are concerned about a peer. It stands for Ask, Care, and Escort:
- Ask: It’s important to Ask your peer directly about what’s going on. Listen and let them tell you so that you can determine whether it’s an emergency and what needs to be done next to support them. Although it might feel awkward, it’s critical to ask whether they are having thoughts of killing themselves. If the answer is yes, or even if you suspect that the answer is yes, then don’t leave them alone. Take all comments about suicide seriously.
- Care: Care for your peer. Listen calmly and express concern. Don’t act judgmental or promise secrecy. If they are having thoughts of killing themselves, then you don’t want to keep this kind of secret. Work with them to identify and contact people, places, or both who can offer help to resolve a crisis. Also, ask them, which means they would consider using during a suicidal crisis and then collaboratively identify ways to secure or limit access to those means. A responsible person, such as a family member or close friend, among others, may help.
- Escort: If your peer is willing and it’s an option, then Escort them to help. Never leave a peer having thoughts of suicide alone, even to go to the bathroom.
Remember, there are people and agencies available for emergency situations and consultation 24/7, such as 911, an emergency room, or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 988. They can put you in touch with a mental health professional.