Depression Risk Questionnaire Interpretation 
If you checked under:
- Part I only, your friend may be at risk for suicide and should seek professional help immediately.
- Part II only, your friend may be suffering from depression and should seek further evaluation with a mental health professional or his or her primary care physician.
- Parts I and II, the suicide risk is even higher. Strongly encourage your friend to seek professional help immediately.
What to do if you suspect a friend or loved one is suicidal:
- Do take it seriously. 70% of all people who commit suicide give some warning of their intentions to a friend or member of their family.
- Do be willing to listen. Even if professional help is needed, your friend or loved one will be more willing to seek help if you have listened to him or her.
- Do voice your concern. Take the initiative to ask what is troubling your friend or loved one, and attempt to overcome any reluctance on their part to talk about it.
- Do let the person know you care and understand. Reassure your friend or loved one that he or she is not alone. Explain that, although powerful, suicidal feelings are temporary, depression can be treated, and problems can be solved.
- Do ask if the person has a specific plan for committing suicide, and how far he or she has gone in carrying it out. (Note: asking about suicide does not cause a person to think about or commit suicide. This is a myth.)
- Do get professional help immediately. Bring your friend to your campus health or counseling center, a local hospital emergency room or crisis center (if your friend is already in treatment, contact his or her clinician). Your friend will be more likely to seek help if you accompany him or her. If all else fails, notify your campus or community police, who are trained to handle situations like this. Remember - it is better to have an angry friend than a dead one.
If for any reason you are unsure, uncomfortable, or unable to take action, find a trusted teacher or responsible adult with whom to share your concerns.
Whatever you choose to do, the important thing is to make the effort.
- Don't assume the situation will take care of itself.
- Don't act shocked or surprised at what the person says.
- Don't leave the person alone.
- Don't challenge or dare.
- Don't be sworn to secrecy.
- Don't argue or debate moral issues.
If you are a UNH student concerned about yourself or another UNH student, please call the UNH Counseling Center at (603) 862-2092. If you or your loved one is not a UNH student, please consult with a mental health professional in your area.