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Yes — you can ask directly
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, in England call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option or use NHS 111 online where appropriate.
If you're worried somebody may be suicidal, it is okay to ask plainly.
Use the word
“Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Have you been thinking about ending your life?” is clearer than vague language such as “you wouldn't do anything silly, would you?”
Asking does not plant the idea
Major suicide-prevention guidance supports direct, non-judgemental conversation. Asking can give somebody permission to tell you what is actually happening.
If the answer is yes
Stay calm. Listen. Find out whether there is immediate danger and connect them with urgent professional help. If they are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
Useful next pages
Trusted help & further reading
- NHS — where to get urgent help for mental health
- NHS Every Mind Matters — helping others
- Samaritans — if you're worried about someone else
This section is practical guidance, not emergency or clinical care. If somebody's safety is at immediate risk, use emergency services.