Using suicide awareness skills in everyday moments

Alex was waiting for public transport one cold evening when she noticed someone on the opposite stop who seemed unsettled and in distress.

Having taken the training, Alex paused to think about the situation and how to apply what she had learned. She took a moment to observe from a distance, trying to understand what was happening and assess what to do. The woman was clearly distressed, moving her arms around, talking to herself and pacing back and forth. Alex also noticed she was wearing a sunflower lanyard, which she recognised can indicate a hidden disability. The woman’s behaviour was worrying Alex, and she was trying to work out the best way to approach the situation.

After observing, Alex felt she needed to do something and felt safe to approach. She walked round to her and calmly introduced herself, asking where she was heading. The woman’s responses weren’t full sentences at first, but Alex kept asking simple, grounding questions to help her engage. Eventually, the woman shared that she thought her partner might be on his way to pick her up.

Alex gently suggested they call her partner to check. Once they reached him, Alex stayed with the woman, offering calm conversation and reassurance until he arrived. She didn’t want her to feel alone and wanted to make sure she stayed safe while waiting.

Reflecting afterwards, Alex said she was glad she trusted her instincts. The training helped her recognise the woman’s distress through her behaviours and actions, and think through what steps to take. She focused on keeping the woman safe until support arrived.

Alex also said she’s very aware of personal safety. She noted that if she had felt unsafe approaching, she would have contacted someone for support, and if she had been worried about immediate risk to life, she would have contacted the emergency services.

Alex said: “I’m really glad I took ZSA’s training, and I often recommend it to others. The basic suicide awareness skills are practical, confidence‑building and can genuinely help make a difference.”

Strengthen your suicide awareness skills for everyday moments

Our FREE online Supporting a Stranger Suicide Awareness Training can help you gain insights and tips to intervene safely.