What to do if someone hands you a Yellow Ribbon Card
or asks for help (printed on card)

STAY!  Do not leave the person alone unless there is risk of 
harm to you!  You are this person's lifeline!  This person trusts you so much that he/she has sought you out during a time of critical emotional crisis.  

Studies show that most people will not harm themselves while they are with another person.

You don't need to say much and there are no magic words.  Your concern and your caring will show in your voice and your mannerism.  Demonstrate patience 
and caring.  Avoid arguments and advice giving - they will only serve to belittle the person already crushed under unbearable emotional pain.  All you need to do is
STAY-LISTEN-GET HELP!

LISTEN! What might seem trivial or inconsequential to you may be overwhelming and unbearable to the person in pain.
If the person is saying: : "I can't go on", ask: "Are you having 
thoughts of suicide?"  You are not putting ideas into anybody's head; 
you are showing that you take these feelings seriously, and that it is OK 
to share pain - that you care enough to express hurt and other emotions with you.  Your direct questions will not provoke feelings of self-destruction that do not already exist; in fact, your questions and concern will ease overwhelming feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Be-A-Link ^™

^{You don't need to be a professional ... you only need to care ... to}
Be-A-Link.^™