Suicidal Situations

Early detection and timely out-reach are crucial in the prevention of suicide. It is never easy to talk about suicidal thoughts because of the fear of being judged. It is not easy either to support someone at risk of suicide.

Warning Signs

Preoccupations with death or suicidal thoughts (e.g. talking about death or hinting death as a better alternative to living)
Giving away their valuable possessions or sentimental items
Making final arrangements such as writing a suicide note (including online postings), preparing for a will, or expressing their funeral arrangements
A sense of helplessness and hopelessness
Prior suicide attempts or self-harm
Impulsive or self-harm behaviours
Drastic mood swings or a diagnosable mental disorder
Alcohol intoxication or drug abuse
Lack of social support and a sense of isolation or loneliness
Giving up on available means of help
Untreated depression

Imminent Risk/ Urgent Situations

Suicidal risks become much higher or even imminent when the student:

is engaging in life-threatening behaviours (e.g. attempting to jump from height or taking drugs)
has a concrete and lethal suicide plan (in written, verbal, or behavioural forms)
has already got or is obtaining the necessary objects to carry out the suicide plan
has a previous suicide attempt

Managing Imminent Suicidal Risks

Take immediate and assertive actions to stop the suicidal behaviours as far as possible.

Below are some suggestions for your consideration, if appropriate:

Stay calm and be supportive
Call the Police at 999 if your friend is harming or is going to harm oneself
Seek help from the Security Control Office (24-hour) at 3917 2882 if the crisis is happening on campus. They can deploy staff to assist you, help you call the police or ambulance, and effectively direct the police or ambulance to the right location on campus
Call for support immediately. Do not handle the situation alone.
If your friend is sitting or standing in an unsafe spot, persuade him/her to move to a safe place
Encourage your friend to stay away from danger
Stay with your friend. Do not leave your friend alone
Listen to your friend about his/her distress while waiting for other support
Encourage or accompany your friend to seek professional help if possible

Calling the Police

When you are calling the police, you should:

Stay calm
Briefly describe the critical situation and the student’s condition
State the exact location of the student. If the student leaves the area, note the direction he/she takes.
Clearly state your name and contact number for follow-up

Please seek help from the Security Control Office when a crisis happens on campus. They can:

deploy staff to assist you on campus quickly
help you call the police or ambulance
effectively direct the police or ambulance to the right location on campus

Calling an Ambulance

In the case of an emergency or injury where emergency ambulance service is required, you can call the Fire Services Communication Center at 2735 3355.

To enable efficient deployment of resources, the caller should provide:

What has happened
Accurate and detailed location of the incident
Brief description of the condition
Contact details

If you are in doubt, it is advisable to consult the Security Control Centre at (852) 3917-2882.

In case you need to seek help outside the Main Campus, or need support after office hours, refer to After-hour Emergencies.

If the risk is not imminent

Take the suicidal thoughts and threats seriously
Actively approach your friend and share your concerns
Be there to listen to your friend. Do not trivialise or dismiss your friend’s pain or distress
Tell your friend that support is available and you want to help
Encourage and support your friend to seek professional help (e.g. Counselling and Person Enrichment or University Health Services as soon as possible.
Seek advice from Duty Counsellor at CoPE
Provide information on hotlines and services in the community to your friend, including suicidal prevention hotlines

If you want to learn more about how to help people at risk of suicide, you may join the Mental Health First Aid Training course.