How Do I Support Someone Who is Suicidal?
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It’s a staggering statistic that one person dies every 40 seconds worldwide from suicide, and the rates of depression are only increasing with time. It can be challenging to know what to do to support someone who struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, but with some compassion and understanding, you can gain the tools to help those in your life move through these complex emotions.
The Signs of Suicidal Ideation
How do you know if someone is having thoughts of suicide? The truth is that sometimes you cannot know, not everyone shows these signs, and often people with suicidal ideation do not reveal these thoughts or feelings, even to their closest loved ones. But there are still some warning signs that may indicate someone has thoughts of suicide to look out for.
Increasing anxiety or restlessness
Increasing irritability or agitation
Increasing quietness or distance from others
Risk-taking behaviour
Excessive or minimal sleep
Low energy or fatigue
Avoiding contact with other people
Saying they cannot see a way out of a difficult situation or feel hopeless
Saying negative comments about themselves
Saying goodbye or sending messages that sound like an ending
Giving away belongings or making a will
Talking or writing about death or suicide
Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
5 Ways to Support Someone Who is Suicidal
Stay Rooted in Compassion
One of the main reasons people who struggle with depression or thoughts of suicide do not reach out for help is the underlying feelings of shame. By expressing your unconditional support, love, and compassion, you can help your loved one or friend feel more comfortable sharing their feelings with you without fear of judgment.
Be a Listening Ear
When someone opens up to you about their thoughts of suicide, it is essential not to let it overwhelm you or jump too quickly into problem-solving mode. Try to start by being an empathetic listener to their emotions, expressing your compassion and understanding when it feels appropriate. Then when they feel more comfortable, you can express your concerns and encourage them to seek additional support.
Stay Open and Supportive with your Concerns
It is important not to get too confrontational with your concerns by jumping into criticism or blame, as this can further a person’s feelings of depression or suicidality. Instead, try to remain open to what they share with you and reflect their words to show that you actively listen and care about what they share with you. Encourage them gently to remember their reasons for living and reassure them that they will not feel this way forever.
Emphasize Connection and Social Support
Depression and suicidal ideation can often feel very isolating. But one of the main ways to address depression is through support groups and social connections. This can feel particularly difficult at times because isolation is one of the main symptoms of depression. Having more compassionate and friendly people to listen to and support your loved ones can help bolster their mood and support them through these heavy emotions.
Encourage Them to Seek Professional Support Services
When your friend or loved one is in crisis, it is crucial to stay with them and be a compassionate support during this process. But often, this can be too much for one person, and it is essential to know when to seek professional help. To truly process through the grief and trauma that often underlies suicidal ideation may require assistance from professional support services.
Seek Support for Yourself as Well
Remember that there isn’t always an exact right thing to do through this process, and we cannot ultimately control another person’s choices or actions. We can do the best we can and give compassion and understanding as much as possible.
But it is important to note that if your friend or loved one does pass away, you are not to blame. We are all doing the best that we can, and as you move through this process, it is vital to seek support for yourself as well.