Supporting Someone That Has Thoughts Around Suicide
September is an important month for mental health. Throughout this month, we focus our efforts on suicide prevention and helping individuals to see hope even when things feel dark. It is worth noting that while these thoughts are very real and important, it’s also important to recognize that help is available and getting help is very effective.
Warning Signs
It can be helpful to know what some warning signs around someone thinking about suicide are. This can make you feel more prepared to talk to someone that may be struggling and encourage them to seek out professional help to increase their safety. Some common warning signs can include:
Talking about:
Wanting to die
Being a burden to other people
Intense shame or guilt
Some common feelings can include:
Feeling empty, hopeless, or trapped
Strong sadness, full of rage, extremely anxious or agitated
Unbearable emotional or physical pain
Changes in behavior, including:
Research around taking their own life
Withdrawing from family, friends, giving important things away
Taking bigger and more dangerous risks than usual
What to Do if Someone You Care About is Struggling
If someone close to you is having difficulty with thoughts around taking their own life, it can be scary and unnerving to know what to do next. Rest assured that you are not alone, and there are 5 basic steps you can take (via The National Institute of Health):
Ask. Many people assume that if they’re asking if someone is considering taking their own life, they will be “planting an idea”. This is simply not true. The best thing you can do is say, “Are you thinking about suicide?”, as it opens up the conversation for the person to seek more support.
Be there. Listen without judgement to the person and what they are thinking and feeling. The more we talk about things in the open, the less likely something is to happen.
Help keep them safe. Limit access to means and methods when possible. Asking them if they have a plan and making the methods less accessible can be helpful in navigating this.
Help them connect. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is an excellent resource (reached by calling or texting 988). Another good resource for adults, teens, and kids in our area is the SAFEUT app, which allows for anonymous tips to be submitted for someone that may be struggling. It also has a chat feature for crisis support.
Follow up. Staying in contact with the person after they have had a crisis or received care can make a difference. Supportive care throughout helps make lasting prevention.
While having someone you care about disclose they have been considering suicide can be an uncomfortable experience, it also shows that they trust you to help them get help. Keep in mind that professionals are available to help anyone with these thoughts, treatment is effective, and prevention is very real. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help, we encourage you to call the 988 line. If they are in need of further support after the immediate crisis, we are here at Become You Therapy in Ogden, Utah to support all ages from kids to adulthood.
