There are preventive measures and strategies to prevent suicide. These include the importance of seeking professional help, building a support system, and coping mechanisms. The role of therapy, medication, and crisis intervention services are key to preventive suicide. Here are some key issues to address when supporting someone in crisis;
Listen without making judgements and concentrate on their needs at that moment. Ask them what would help them. Reassure and focus on practical information or resources. Avoid confrontation. Ask if there is someone they would like you to contact. Encourage them to seek appropriate professional help. If they have hurt themselves, make sure they get the first aid they need. You have got to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment for someone who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You must have compassionate conversations and provide appropriate support. In my experience, I have a hard time talking about how I feel. Sometimes it takes a lot of patience from those who have to drag it out of me. Talking about it can be harmful as my thoughts turn to the negative and I perceive the support system or person I am talking to as intrusive and judgmental. When in reality their intensions are justified and they really actually care and have concern for me. Talking, though difficult to do, is just what is needed most of the time in order to get the help you may need. Try to open up and trust those who love and care about you. It can be the first step of many to overcome the state of mind you are in.
If you find yourself in need of help while facing suicide thoughts, here are some topics you can start with to discuss with your support system;
When you get a chance can you contact me? I feel really alone and suicidal, and could use some support. I don’t want to die, but I don’t know how to live. Talking with you may help me feel safe. Are you free to talk? This is really hard for me to say but I’m having painful thoughts and it might help to talk. Are you free? I’m struggling right now and just need to talk to someone – can we chat? Having a plan of what to say and who to talk to is so important.
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