Then tell somebody. Tell the watch commander or whoever is in charge. Tell a supervisor, not just one of the guards. Don't be afraid you might be breaking a confidence, you're saving a life.

Possible Warning Signs of Suicide

• Verbal signs   "It doesn't matter any more." "I wish I were dead."
• Behavior Change   Such as a previously outgoing person becoming withdrawn and moody, or a cautious person taking unusual risks.
• Signs of Depression   Anxiety, fatigue, hopelessness, helplessness, changes in eating or sleeping habits.
• Preoccupation with Death   Themes of death in essays, poems, or artwork.
• Previous Suicide Attempts   The single most reliable predictor of a suicide attempt in the future is a suicide attempt in the past.
• Inability to Tolerate Praise   Or encouragement or rewards.
• Neglect of Personal Hygiene  
• Eating Disorders   Lack of appetite, overeating, or binging and purging.
• Drug or Alcohol Abuse  
• Psychosomatic Illnesses  
• Disinterest in Previously Enjoyable Activities or Hobbies
• Getting One's Affairs in Order   Making final arrangements or giving away prized possessions.
• Hurting, Cutting, or Burning Oneself

Be Interested

Genuine concern and curiosity encourage others to speak freely.

Understand

The other person's viewpoint, assumptions, needs or belief system. Try to put yourself in his place so you can see his point of view.

Shut Up

You can't listen while you're talking. Let the othe person finish what he's trying to say. Don't interrupt unless it's necessary for clarification. Don't jump to conclusions. Don't plan your response instead of listening.

Look for the Issues

Don't get sidetracked by details. The speaker may avoid broaching the topic directly. Be patient, he may need to warm up to it first.

Look for Feelings

Sometimes the feelings rather than the facts are the main message.

Watch Yourself

Sometimes our own feelings and convictions can affect what we hear. Be aware of your own beliefs and prejudices and how your feelings react to what the speaker is saying. Don't come into the conversation with your mind already made up.

Look for Non-Verbal Messages

Learn to read body language: a shrug, a smile, gestures, facial expressions or body positions. Be aware of what your own body language is saying. Try to remain at the speaker's eye level or lower.

Pay Attention

Hearing is passive. Listening is active. It requires mental effort.

Get Feedback

Make certain you understand what is being said. Ask questions or confirm with the speaker what you have heard. But don't argue or criticize. That can put the speaker on the defensive and cause him to clam up.