I AM NOT A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL. ALWAYS SEEK MEDICAL HELP THROUGH EMERGENCY OR CALL 911. I spent 38 years fighting these feelings and just want to help.
1. How could you think of suicide? The pain comes from within us. So since you can’t see it you need to be understanding, make them feel like their voice is being heard.
2. Putting guilt on someone by saying, “You don’t understand I would be devastated if you did that. It is better to assume anyone talking about it is serious.
3. Suicide is selfish. Suicide is cowardly. You don’t mean that. Things could be worse. Others have problems worse than you. Don’t compare them to someone else.
4. Suicide is permanent solution to a temporary situation. You’ll go to hell if you do that.
Warning signs that you can confirm with a professional are:
A) Talk of suicide or self harm.
B) Seeking lethal means such as a gun or knife
C) Are they focused on death, dying or violence?
CI) Self-loathing, self-hatred.
D) Are they getting their affairs in order.
DI) Giving their stuff away.
E) Withdrawn from others. Being isolated
F) Self-destructive behavior
Let them know you are concerned about them. That you noticed changes I them and you just want to know how they are doing. I would be glad to give you help. Let them know you will be with them on their journey. Don’t argue with them. Don’t lecture. Reassure confidentiality, secrecy. You will be with them on their journey to to get the help they need.
Get them professional help. Follow up on them after they have treatment to see if you can offer support. Help them seek our a professional who can provide medication. Don’t offer things yourself. Some medications that work for one person may have side affects that wouldn’t be good for someone else.
Create a safety plan. It should identify any triggers that may lead them to suicidal feelings. Include contact numbers for therapist, doctor, emergency number. Remove items such as knives, pills etc. Remember they need someone who will be there long term.
