Guide On How To Help Someone Who Is Suicidal.
Suicide is a serious issue. It's essential to have a plan in place for those who may be suicidal to receive the help they need as soon as possible. You can save a life by helping them escape their pain and depression, even if only temporarily.
Suicide is one of the most complex and challenging topics to discuss, regardless of your situation. We all know someone who has attempted suicide or suffered from suicidal thoughts at one point in our lives, whether it be a close family member, friend, or even co-worker.
This article will guide you through ways to help someone who is suicidal with no prior knowledge on how to handle the situation.
What Are The Signs of Suicidal Behavior?
If someone you know starts to show signs of suicidal ideation, it is important to take it seriously. According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, several warning signs should be taken into account. For instance, "talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves" indicates that something needs attention.
Taking suicidal thoughts seriously is the first step to keeping someone safe. It's essential to know the signs of suicidal behavior so that you can be on the lookout for them.
If someone shares thoughts of suicide, it is vital to ask them about what they are thinking, why they are considering suicide, and how they would do it.
If someone expresses a plan or intent of suicide, take action right away. Call 911 or contact a mental health service provider who can help by providing emergency services for this person.
If you're feeling suicidal, it's important to know the warning signs and risk factors. This will help you get the support and treatment that can help prevent suicide.
Warning Signs:
-Increasing substance abuse
-Withdrawing from family and friends
-Changes in sleep patterns
- Talking or thinking about suicide
- Looking for ways to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g., speeding through red lights, substance abuse)
Risk Factors:
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- Family history of mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression)
- Substance abuse is the use of drugs or alcohol in a manner that harms the user. Dependence is more than just misuse. It is when someone can't stop using the drug, even though it's causing problems in their life.
If someone shares thoughts of suicide, it is vital to ask them about what they are thinking, why they are considering suicide, and how they would do it.
How to Help a Suicidal Friend
Suicide prevention is a worldwide public health issue. There are many ways to help a suicidal friend. It is essential to know the warning signs and be aware of the risk factors for suicide and how to assess their level of risk.
In general, it is recommended that you do not leave them alone and that you call for emergency help if they make a suicidal threat or gesture, if they fail to respond when you speak with them, or if there's an increased risk of danger.
It's also important to take note of "acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly; withdrawing from others; feeling hopeless or having no reason for living;" these are all other factors that could potentially be warning signs.
It may seem difficult at first, but it's important not to leave them alone and try your best not to let them isolate themselves from the world around them. It may help if you give them a sense of hope by telling them about other people who have been through the same.
It is important to be supportive, listen to them, and offer help. Let them know that you care about their well-being and that they can always talk to you about their problems. Offering help may include giving advice or a referral for professional mental health care.
How to Help Someone Who Has Attempted Suicide?
It is vital to help someone who has attempted suicide. A person who has tried suicide will need to talk about their feelings and will need emotional support. They may also need medical care and medication for conditions such as depression or anxiety.
We should listen to the person and try to understand how they are feeling. We can also encourage them by saying that it's not too late, that we're there for them, and that everything will be OK in the end.
We should not blame the person for trying to commit suicide because help was not available or had a mental illness such as depression or anxiety.
When to Call For Emergency Help
We should call the emergency services when there is an actual and imminent risk to someone's life. The person might have expressed a plan or intention to take their own life or may have made a suicide attempt in the past.
We can call for emergency help in a situation when a person is suicidal and may need medication guidance, hospitalization, or other immediate intervention.
The earlier we get help for someone who is suicidal, the better outcome we can expect.
If You Are Thinking of Suicide
It is normal to feel sad or down. The feelings are usually temporary. It is vital to get help if you feel unsafe, but it’s not a reason to feel completely hopeless.
Talking with someone who cares about you can help. Family members and friends can be a great support. You might also consider talking to a counselor or therapist or doctor at the hospital who you trust too.
If you are thinking of suicide, talk with someone now!
We Are Here to HELP
Suicide is a complex subject to talk about, but even more so when it comes to helping someone who is suicidal. It's important to realize that you can't 'save' anyone, but there are many things you can do to help someone in need.
If you are suffering from suicidal feelings, it is vital to get professional help. With the right therapist, you can learn coping mechanisms to reduce your symptoms.
At Trust Mental Health, we provide access to licensed therapists who have experience helping people overcome their suicidal thoughts and live happier, more fulfilling lives. If you want more information on how we can help you or someone you care about overcoming social fear, please contact us today.
If you seek professional help, Trust Mental Health can match you with a professional therapist who can help you work through child counseling. Our therapists come from a wide array of backgrounds and can speak many languages. Set up a free consultation with us to learn more.