Click here to access our suicide survivor support groups
Click here to access our suicide survivor support groups
It’s not unusual to have suicide thoughts, neither should it be shameful. Most people who have had the thoughts recovered and live fulfilling lives. Getting help is important, and connecting to support of various kinds makes a difference in getting through these difficult time.
Don’t try to minimize problems or shame a person into changing their mind. Your opinion of a person’s situation is irrelevant. Trying to convince a person suffering with a mental illness that it’s not that bad, or that they have everything to live for may only increase their feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Reassure them that help is available, that what they are experiencing is treatable, and that suicidal feelings are temporary. Life can get better!
Suicide victims are not trying to end their life they are trying to end the pain
Begin a dialogue by asking questions. Suicidal thoughts are common with someone who is in pain, hurt, has lost a job, homeless and struggling in relationships and your willingness to talk about it in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way can be the help a person needs to seek help. Possible Questions to ask:
If you feel the person isn’t in immediate danger, acknowledge the pain is legitimate and offer to work together to get help. Make sure you follow through. This is one instance where you must be tenacious in your follow-up. Help find a mental health professional, participate in making the first phone call, or go along to the first appointment. If you’re in a position to help, don’t assume that your persistence is unwanted or intrusive. Risking your feelings to help save a life is a risk worth taking.
Asking these questions will help you to determine if your friend or family member is in immediate danger, and get help if needed. A suicidal person should get help immediately. Calling a hotline number is a good option to prevent a tragic suicide attempt or death. Remember; always take thoughts Or plans seriously
Never keep a plan for suicide a secret. Don’t worry about risking a friendship if you truly feel a life is in danger. You have bigger things to worry about-someone’s life might be in danger! It is better to lose a relationship from violating a confidence than it is to go to a funeral. And most of the time they will come back and thank you for saving their life.