Do: How to reach out to someone who is sucidal. 1) Acknowledge and accept their feelings even if they appear distorted - "you sound like you are feeling abandoned...," "that must have hurt you terribly...," how does make you feel"? "are feeling like there is no hope"? etc. 2) Be an active listener- repeat some of their statements back to them to let them know you are listening. For example, "so what you are saying is..., "I’m hearing you saying you hate yourself...," so receiving that letter made you feel abandoned..." "I hear you saying you want to die," etc. 3) Try to give them hope and remind them what they are feeling is temporary, without provoking guilt. "I know you feel you cannot go on, but things will get better," "What you are feeling is temporary," "I believe in you and that you will get better," "There is a light at the end of the tunnel - it’s ok if you don’t see it now." 4) Be there for them. If they are not there with you, go to them or have them come to you. It is better if you go to them, in case they can their mind and don’t show up where you are. 5) Show love and encouragement. Hold them, hug them, touch them. Allow them to show their feelings. Allow them to cry, to show anger, etc. Let them know you hear them and are there for them. Let them know it is ok to feel what they feel, even if it is distorted. Let them know you accept them right where they are now. If you love them, tell them. 6) Pamper them. Feed them if they are hungry. Let them shower if you feel that will help them. Rent a movie if they feel like it. Turn on their favorite music if it makes them feel better. 7) Help them get some help. If phone calls are needed for counseling, drug recovery, Dr. appointments, etc., encourage them to make these calls. ( See my page entitled "Are you Suicidal." There are some resources listed there). It is better if they call, but it’s ok it you need to make these calls if their level of functioning is low. If they have a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc. this is a good time to call them if the person is still at risk. If it’s evening and the person is not at risk, calls should be made the next day to these people informing them of the person’s suicidal ideation. The mental health professional may make an adjust to the person’s medicine, admit them into a hospital, etc.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Jun 2013 04:21:22 +0000
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