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Hacks for Suicidal Folks

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People rarely talk about suicide directly, but many of our participants suffer from serious depression and think about suicide a lot.

One of the things that organizations might consider is ensuring that all of their staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid. There is more information in the section on Mental Health First Aid.

A person’s behavior may change drastically, or they may begin to talk about wanting to disappear or go away. In the event that people begin to talk like this, it’s important to perform a basic standard assessment of the seriousness of suicidality and help participants form a survival plan and/or connect with emergency services as needed.

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Hacks for Non-Verbal Active Listening

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When someone is agitated or in distress, how we carry ourselves can make a huge difference. Non-verbal cues—like posture, breathing, and personal space—can either calm a situation or escalate it further. The following tips offer guidance on using body language to reduce tension, show respect, and create a safer, more grounded interaction.
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Hacks for Staying Present

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As discussed in the part of the site on preventing escalation, it is essential for harm reduction workers to stay present and remain centered and relatively calm during escalated events. This is one of the hardest things to do, but staying present and centered during any kind of escalated situation at your harm reduction site is essential to de-escalation.
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