Mark is down, joking about suicide, you should:

• A. Ignore it
• B. Promise to tell a trusted adult later
• C. Laugh it off
• D. Tell a trusted adult even if you think Mark is joking about suicide

Answer: (D)

When someone talks or jokes about suicide, treat it as a serious signal of distress and act to get help. Telling a trusted adult ensures the situation is evaluated by someone who can arrange support or professional care, which can be life-saving. You’re not responsible for fixing the problem yourself, but you are responsible for getting timely help.

Even if you think they’re joking, that doesn’t mean there isn’t real risk. Jokes about harming oneself can mask genuine pain, and delaying a response can allow the distress to worsen. A trusted adult can assess the seriousness, check for immediate danger, and connect the person with counseling or crisis resources.

Options that ignore the warning, delay action, or dismiss the remark don’t keep the person safe. If there is an immediate threat, don’t hesitate to contact emergency services. Stay with the person and listen, but ensure an adult or professional is involved.