how to help and support suicidal friend 1

How To Help And Support Suicidal Friend?

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    The decision to reach out to a friend or loved one who is struggling with suicidal thoughts may not be an easy one. Some people may feel cautious around a specific individual, as though the slightest misstep with this person might send them over the edge.

    There are many things you may do to help a friend or family member who is going through a tough time. You should be cautious in your approach, but there are a number of options available to you. Here, we provide a number of possible approaches.

    If a friend of yours is going through a tough time or is having suicide thoughts, you will know it. People can take comfort in the fact that there are numerous time-tested options available to them when contemplating suicide.

    It's devastating to hear a loved one confess they're thinking about taking their own life. It's important to take seriously any warning signs of suicide or suicidal ideation, even if it's tempting to brush them off as attention-seeking behaviour or the belief that people who talk about suicide don't actually commit the act.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    It often takes bravery to let a close friend know that you are concerned about their mental health. It also requires you to have empathy. Consider the following "next step" questions: How may I be of assistance?

    • I'm worried about you, but I have no idea what to do to help you.
    • Could I give you a call the following day? (Next week, etc.)
    • I care about you.
    • Would you like my assistance in locating someone who can assist you?

    Ask these questions to gauge someone's mental health.

    • I'm ok.
    • How's stress?
    • Eat and sleep?
    • Any topics to discuss?
    • Will you talk?
    • I'm available.
    • When should I call you?

    A nervous breakdown is significant mental or emotional stress. Because of stress, a person can't execute daily tasks. "Nervous breakdown" isn't clinical. It's not a mental illness. What shouldn't you tell a mental patient?

    • All mental.
    • "It might be worse!"
    • "Relax!"
    • "You have a wonderful life; you're constantly happy!"
    • "Chai tea?
    • "It's okay to feel down/moody/OCD sometimes."
    • It'll pass.

    A significant amount of weariness, poor levels of energy, or difficulty sleeping a disconnect from reality, also known as delusion, as well as paranoia or hallucinations. incapacity to deal with the pressures and difficulties of daily life. Having difficulty comprehending and relating to both circumstances and individuals.

    Encounter a challenging situation in life, such as the death of a loved one, service in the armed forces, the end of a relationship, or difficulties with money or the law. Have a problem with abusing substances, such as alcohol or drugs; both of these can exacerbate suicidal ideation and make you feel reckless or impulsive to the point where you might act on your thoughts.

    In Case There Is An Imminent Danger Of Suicide

    If you are concerned that a friend may attempt suicide soon, you should contact the police or an emergency hotline immediately. A person is in imminent danger if they have access to a lethal weapon, drugs, or other means to carry out their suicide plot.

    Don't leave them alone if you can help it, and get rid of anything they could use to hurt themselves. If you feel safe doing so, you might also offer to drive your friend to the hospital emergency room. There will be a thorough assessment of their mental and physical well-being, and based on the results, a customised plan of defence will be developed for them.

    However, if you judge the danger to be serious but not imminent, you should still take action; in this case, you might take the time to offer comfort, listen, and encourage them to get expert help. If you need assistance, don't worry; you can get it. The following tips have been gathered from a number of sources to help you make the difficult decision to live and not terminate your life.

    Having One's Suicidal Thoughts Confirmed

    It's a perfectly reasonable question to ask someone, "Are you suicidal?" According to the available data, having a conversation about suicide with someone who is already at risk does not make them more likely to take their own life. Just because you ask them a question doesn't mean you're trying to plant ideas in their head. However, if you ask pertinent questions, you'll gain insight into how to best improve the situation.

    Find Out the Real Story

    If the response to the preceding question is affirmative, go to the following three inquiries:

    • Have you considered how you would go about doing it?
    • Have you considered whether or not you have the means to implement your plan?
    • Is there a specific date you plan to finish it by?

    Fortunately, most people would say they don't have any firm plans or won't have the guts to do it on their own. If they respond in a way that suggests they do not have a plan, it is possible that they are not in imminent danger of hurting themselves, though this is still a risky situation. Think of what they've said as a plea for help, and then do what you can to give it to them. Motivate them to make an appointment with a specialist as soon as they can. Check this list of Rehabilitation Programmes to help you make an informed decision for your treatment.

    If they offer you answers that make you fear for their safety, you should not hesitate to contact the authorities. You can learn more about the prices of the various treatments offered by Rehab Treatment Melbourne by reading this blog post.

    If you take action, it may seem as though you're threatening their friendship with your behaviour. Your friend may accuse you of betraying them or being angry with you for doing this. Keep in mind that if you don't, you can lose their friendship for good. They will be thankful to you after they have fully recovered from their illness.

    How Can I Help Someone When They Are Having Thoughts Of Suicide?

    rehab2

    Keep An Eye Out For Any Signs Of Danger.

    For those who are concerned that a close friend or family member may be suicidal, here are several red flags to look out for:

    • Things that used to bring individuals joy or significance no longer do so.
    • They are hurting themselves in the process.
    • They are getting rid of everything they own.
    • These notes are part of their parting ritual to loved ones.
    • They appear to have less vitality and energy than they actually do.
    • They've struggled with depression in the past.
    • They're feeling trapped and powerless, they say.
    • They're utilising substances like booze or drugs in an unhealthy way.
    • As a result, they feel isolated and unsupported.

    Ask Questions About Suicide Straight Away.

    It is a prevalent misperception that talking about suicide with someone who shows signs of being suicidal is detrimental. The person might take offence, and it might "put the concept in their mind," according to these critics. Some believe the person in question would not find it offensive.

    The majority of psychologists think that talking about suicidal thoughts with a close friend is unlikely to damage your friendship. Most suicidal people want to talk about their feelings, but they may struggle to do so. If you take the time to ask someone in an open and honest way, you can just end up saving their life. Someone you care about who you suspect is contemplating suicide may benefit from your asking any of the following questions.

    • It seems as though you are facing some challenging circumstances at the moment. Do you ever consider ending your own life?

    Taking Stock Of Your Current Situation

    You should consider if you are in the right frame of mind to have a conversation about suicide if you are going through a difficult moment in your own life. A friend, family member, or crisis hotline are all good options if you feel the need to refer your friend to them.

    Ask Questions And Listen.

    You may want to say a lot to the person you care about before it's too late if they're contemplating suicide. You may tell them you care, or that they have a lot to look forwards to in life, or that they won't feel this way forever.

    The first step in solving a problem is getting the person to open up about it. While it may be helpful to share your thoughts at some point, it is important to first ask the other person's opinion and then consider it carefully.

    Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are often accompanied by a pervasive sense of loneliness and helplessness, which can lead some people to consider suicide as a viable option. Even if you're having a good conversation, if you keep talking about yourself the other person could feel like they have no chance to share their perspective. Here is a list of some sample questions that can be helpful when talking to someone who is contemplating suicide:

    • Just what is it that's making you feel this way?
    • How long have you been experiencing this?
    • When you're having self-critical thoughts, do you find that anything helps you cope?
    • What emotions do you have as you talk about this with others?

    Assist Those You Care About In Locating Reasons To Continue On.

    Motives To Carry On Living

    Once you've heard the person out and understood how they're feeling, you may begin to help them come up with personal reasons to keep living. Your personal values shouldn't be the basis for these justifications. These justifications shouldn't be founded on your values. The following are some possible questions to ask them:

    • any things that they take pleasure in partaking in
    • their connections with members of their family and other pals
    • instances in which they've had positive feelings about themselves
    • everything that they have longed to accomplish but have not yet had the opportunity to do
    • their religious convictions and practises
    • animals, including pets, that they take pleasure in spending time with
    • causes on the social or political spectrum that they feel strongly about.

    Doubts

    It might be challenging to find points of connection for someone who is experiencing suicide ideas. To help alleviate their fears, you could talk about alternative explanations for why they haven't killed themselves yet or why they're on the fence about it. Looking for the best rehab centre? Refocus Rehab Melbourne  might be the answer. 

    For example, if one worries about how their death would affect those closest to them, such as relatives and friends, it's a sign that these people hold a special place in their heart. Therefore, under these conditions, it may be wise to work on building and strengthening those ties.

    It works because people who are thinking about suicide do have reasons to keep living. Encourage them to discuss and analyse their reasons for living as a means to help them retain this information.

    Assist Them In Making A Commitment To A Safety Plan.

    You should help your friend prioritise their safety for the time being once you've talked about their situation and what keeps them going.

    Although you can achieve your aim through straightforward conversation, we recommend taking the time to put your thoughts down on paper. Creates a physical record that can be consulted whenever mental agony needs to be soothed in the future.

    Think About The Immediate Future.

    Prioritizing short-term outcomes is crucial when weighing the benefits of potential preventative actions. As a result, it's important to set a firm deadline for the other person's commitment to safety when crafting a plan with them. This might be effective for the next 30 days, 7 days, or even just until tomorrow morning.

    Make The Surrounding Area Secure.

    You may wish to enquire as to if your pal has considered ways to end their life or whether they have access to means of self-injury. You should also enquire as to whether or not they have suicide plans. In such a circumstance, you can lend a hand in getting rid of the bothersome objects, either temporarily or permanently.

    Create A List Of People To Contact.

    To protect themselves further, a person who is suicidal may want to make a list of people they can talk to. Because your friend may not always have access to the individuals with whom they feel most comfortable chatting when they are struggling, it is important to include a wide variety of aid alternatives on this list. Items on this list could include:

    • yourself
    • other close companions
    • members of a family
    • teachers
    • coaches of various sports
    • religious leaders of the world

    When your buddy is feeling a bit more secure, ask if they would like to talk to anyone on that list about what they have been going through. When you're done, see whether your pal is interested in doing the same thing. If they don't feel like broaching the subject with their inner circle, you should ask if it's alright to tell those folks. If they give you the go light to share the information, then do so.

    Make A List Of Risk-Free Activities.

    When people are feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, they can turn to certain hobbies to assist them momentarily divert their attention. Examples of such items might be:

    • Exercise can come in many shapes and forms, but some common examples include walking, jogging, and riding a bike.
    • People can show their creative sides in many different ways, such as by drawing, playing an instrument, or maintaining a journal.
    • Mindfulness can be practised by reading, watching TV, or playing video games.

    Put Their Well-Being Before Your Own.

    Your friend may not always feel comfortable opening up to you about how they're feeling. However, they will place you in a difficult position if they have also asked you to keep the knowledge a secret from their friends, family, and other trustworthy folks in their lives.

    But if you worry that your friend is in danger, you have a responsibility to speak up. Even if your friend becomes furious with you, the fact that they are still physically and mentally well is of far more importance.

    Consider What They Have To Say To Be True.

    The idea that people discuss suicide to draw attention is false but pervasive. As this is rarely the case, it is preferable (and safer) to assume that a friend is being sincere when they express an opinion.

    You shouldn't discount their pain by ignoring their suicide talk. This makes it more likely that it will be reluctant to share its thoughts with others or seek professional help. This collection of Rehabilitation Programs can help you make a well-informed decision regarding your treatment. They might, alternatively, keep their pain to themselves, believing that things will never improve.

    Please Be Mindful Of Both Their Verbal And Behavioural Expressions.

    Suicide is often discussed in a vague or generalised manner.

    Someone you're with might say something that makes them feel embarrassed, pessimistic, or defeated. Examples of phrases they might not use include "I want to die" or "I want to kill myself." And yet, they might also argue:

    • "I simply want the discomfort to go away."
    • "I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going."
    • "I'm a pain in the neck for everyone."
    • "I'll never feel better."

    Their disposition and conduct can also give some indications about who they are. It's possible that you'll notice them:

    • You should isolate yourself from other people as much as you can.
    • go through frequent changes in temperament.
    • get a different amount of sleep than you usually would.
    • Drinking or drugging to excess causes one to become more impulsive and risk-taking than they would otherwise be.
    • Give to a good cause by giving of your valuables or other items of significance.

    These warning signs don't necessarily mean your friend is considering suicide, but if their behaviour or language concerns you, talk to them.

    Encourage Them To Discuss It With One Another.

    how to help and support suicidal friend

    You might think that avoiding further discussion of the issue will help those you care about most who have brought up thoughts of suicide. It's understandable to feel uneasy about responding, but that won't help matters.

    If you avoid talking about suicidal thoughts and feelings, your companion may assume you don't feel comfortable doing so. On the other side, people can conclude wrongly that you don't care about how much suffering they're going through. It's possible that they'll stop giving you sensitive information in either of these situations.

    Maintain Your Support For The Cause.

    Your friend may feel better after talking to you about their misery if they are having suicidal thoughts but have not yet made any arrangements or are not in immediate danger. This does not guarantee that they are completely healthy. However, unless they get help addressing the underlying issue, they may continue to struggle with suicidal ideation.

    Keeping in touch with a buddy after an emergency has passed is a good way to indicate that you're still thinking about them. Ask how they're doing and check if they mind if you bring up topics like:

    • "Hey, I wanted to let you know that I've been considering you. How are things going for you?"
    • "Remember, I'm always here if you feel like talking."

    Foster Collaboration Among Professionals

    If they still have suicidal thoughts, you could encourage them to talk to a trained counsellor. Despite your conviction that they would benefit greatly from therapy, you cannot force someone to submit to your wishes and enter a facility. It's heartbreaking to watch a loved one go through something terrible on their own, yet giving them advice may not help. This article will help you make a decision about Rehab Treatment Melbourne fees for different treatments.

    How to Help Someone Who Possesses a Serious Potential for Self-Immolation?

    It's possible that the level of help needed by someone who is at imminent risk of suicide exceeds what you can provide. A good way to show your friend that you care is to get them help as soon as possible if they have a suicide plan, the means to collect the items they would need, and a specific timeframe for when they want to carry it out.

    Try These Exercises That Will Ground You.

    When one is in the midst of a profound emotional crisis, it can be challenging to think rationally, and those who are emotionally overwhelmed often exaggerate the severity of the situation.

    Such a warped point of view might contribute to suicidal ideation by making the individual feel as though suicide is their only option. Although grounding techniques may not be effective for everyone, they can help those experiencing extreme emotional distress refocus on the present moment and regain a sense of control over their thoughts and feelings. Methods like these often entail using all five senses to help people feel more attuned to the material world again. Incorporate some light exercise into your time together with the following suggestions:

    • Find a comforting item and hold on to it (or pet). Find your friend's favourite sweater, blanket, or other comfort item together if you know they're having trouble locating it. Additionally, many people find that being able to cuddle with a pet helps them feel better.
    • Please play some music for me. Although music can't fix everything, many people find that playing their favourite tune helps them unwind when they're feeling stressed.
    • It's time to get up and going. When you need to pay close attention to your form while working out, this sort of distraction can come in handy. It's always fun to work up a sweat with a pal by going for a stroll or doing some simple exercises like jumping jacks.
    • Play a round of 5-4-3-2-1 if you like. Tell your pal to write down the five most striking things they observe visually, the four most striking sounds they hear, the three most striking smells they experience, the two most striking sensations they encounter, and the one most striking taste they encounter.

    Inquire About Their Precautionary Measures.

    Your friend may have discussed a suicide prevention strategy with a therapist if they've had suicidal thoughts in the past. These strategies are brief and to the point, and they often address things like:

    • signs that a person is contemplating suicide
    • list of things to think about before ending your own life and contacts for people who can aid
    • techniques for coping with adversity in order to keep going

    There is a risk that kids won't think to create a safety plan if they don't have one before they're in a dangerous situation. Nonetheless, I'd want to give it a chance; I'm confident that with your help, I can accomplish more.

    Continue To Be With Them.

    Staying in close proximity to or communicating through phone with your friend can help both of you feel more secure. If they're not in the mood to talk, you may always go for a stroll, put on something entertaining to watch on TV, or just sit there. Assure them you will stay with them until help arrives, and offer to put them in touch with loved ones.

    • As an alternative to asking, "May I call someone for you?"
    • Try asking, "Whom may I contact on your behalf?"

    In case they have:

    • despite their opposition to the thought of seeking assistance, they continue to make clear their desire to perish.
    • tell you that they have access to firearms or other means by which they can take their own life.

    Conclusion

    If a friend or family member is having suicidal thoughts, you will know it. There are a number of approaches you can take to help them if they are in danger of taking their own life. Contact the police or an emergency hotline immediately if there is an imminent danger of suicide. Having a conversation about suicide with someone who is already at risk does not make them more likely to take their life. Motivate them to make an appointment with a specialist as soon as they can.

    Check this list of Rehabilitation Programmes to help you make an informed decision for your treatment. Psychologists think that talking about suicidal thoughts with a close friend is unlikely to damage your friendship. If you take the time to ask someone in an open and honest way, you can just end up saving their life. Questions to ask include: Do you ever consider ending your life? People who are thinking about suicide do have reasons to keep living.

    Encourage them to discuss and analyse their reasons for living. Refocus Rehab Melbourne may be the best rehab centre for people contemplating suicide. You should help your suicidal friend prioritise their safety for the time being. You should also enquire as to whether they have suicide plans or if they have access to means of self-injury. A person who is suicidal may want to make a list of people they can talk to.

    Suicide is often discussed in a vague or generalised manner. If you worry that your friend is in danger, you have a responsibility to speak up. This collection of Rehabilitation Programs can help you make a well-informed decision regarding your treatment for suicide. Encourage them to discuss suicidal thoughts with one another. If they still have suicidal thoughts, you could encourage them to talk to a counsellor.

    This article will help you make a decision about Rehab Treatment Melbourne fees. Grounding techniques can help those experiencing extreme emotional distress refocus on the present moment. Activities like cuddling and light exercise can help people feel more attuned to the material world again. They can also help people regain a sense of control over their thoughts and feelings. Inquiry About Their Precautionary Measures.

    Assure them you will stay with them until help arrives, and offer to put them in touch with loved ones. If they're not in the mood to talk, go for a stroll or put on something entertaining to watch on TV.

    Content Summary

    1. The decision to reach out to a friend or loved one who is struggling with suicidal thoughts may not be an easy one.
    2. There are many things you may do to help a friend or family member who is going through a tough time.
    3. You should be cautious in your approach, but there are a number of options available to you.
    4. Here, we provide a number of possible approaches.
    5. If a friend of yours is going through a tough time or is having suicide thoughts, you will know it.
    6. People can take comfort in the fact that there are numerous time-tested options available to them when contemplating suicide.
    7. In Case There Is An Imminent Danger Of Suicide If you are concerned that a friend may attempt suicide soon, you should contact the police or an emergency hotline immediately.
    8. If you need assistance, don't worry; you can get it.
    9. The following tips have been gathered from a number of sources to help you make the difficult decision to live and not terminate your life.
    10. Having One's Suicidal Thoughts Confirmed
    11. It's a perfectly reasonable question to ask someone, "Are you suicidal?"
    12. According to the available data, having a conversation about suicide with someone who is already at risk does not make them more likely to take their own life.
    13. However, if you ask pertinent questions, you'll gain insight into how to best improve the situation.
    14. Think of what they've said as a plea for help, and then do what you can to give it to them.
    15. Motivate them to make an appointment with a specialist as soon as they can.
    16. Check this list of Rehabilitation Programmes to help you make an informed decision for your treatment.
    17. Keep in mind that if you don't, you can lose their friendship for good.
    18. For those who are concerned that a close friend or family member may be suicidal, here are several red flags to look out for:Things that used to bring individuals joy or significance no longer do so.
    19. Ask Questions About Suicide Straight Away.
    20. It is a prevalent misperception that talking about suicide with someone who shows signs of being suicidal is detrimental.
    21. The majority of psychologists think that talking about suicidal thoughts with a close friend is unlikely to damage your friendship.
    22. Most suicidal people want to talk about their feelings, but they may struggle to do so.
    23. If you take the time to ask someone in an open and honest way, you can just end up saving their life.
    24. Someone you care about who you suspect is contemplating suicide may benefit from your asking any of the following questions.
    25. Ask Questions And Listen.
    26. You may want to say a lot to the person you care about before it's too late if they're contemplating suicide.
    27. The first step in solving a problem is getting the person to open up about it.
    28. While it may be helpful to share your thoughts at some point, it is important to first ask the other person's opinion and then consider it carefully.
    29. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are often accompanied by a pervasive sense of loneliness and helplessness, which can lead some people to consider suicide as a viable option.
    30. Even if you're having a good conversation, if you keep talking about yourself the other person could feel like they have no chance to share their perspective.
    31. Here is a list of some sample questions that can be helpful when talking to someone who is contemplating suicide:Just what is it that's making you feel this way?How long have you been experiencing this?When you're having self-critical thoughts, do you find that anything helps you cope?What emotions do you have as you talk about this with others?Assist Those You Care About In Locating Reasons To Continue On.
    32. Motives To Carry On LivingOnce you've heard the person out and understood how they're feeling, you may begin to help them come up with personal reasons to keep living.
    33. These justifications shouldn't be founded on your values.
    34. To help alleviate their fears, you could talk about alternative explanations for why they haven't killed themselves yet or why they're on the fence about it.
    35. It works because people who are thinking about suicide do have reasons to keep living.
    36. You should help your friend prioritise their safety for the time being once you've talked about their situation and what keeps them going.
    37. As a result, it's important to set a firm deadline for the other person's commitment to safety when crafting a plan with them.
    38. You should also enquire as to whether or not they have suicide plans.
    39. Create A List Of People To Contact.
    40. To protect themselves further, a person who is suicidal may want to make a list of people they can talk to.
    41. Make A List Of Risk-Free Activities.
    42. Your friend may not always feel comfortable opening up to you about how they're feeling.
    43. However, they will place you in a difficult position if they have also asked you to keep the knowledge a secret from their friends, family, and other trustworthy folks in their lives.
    44. But if you worry that your friend is in danger, you have a responsibility to speak up.
    45. Even if your friend becomes furious with you, the fact that they are still physically and mentally well is of far more importance.
    46. You shouldn't discount their pain by ignoring their suicide talk.
    47. "Their disposition and conduct can also give some indications about who they are.
    48. It's possible that you'll notice them:You should isolate yourself from other people as much as you can.go through frequent changes in temperament.get a different amount of sleep than you usually would.
    49. These warning signs don't necessarily mean your friend is considering suicide, but if their behaviour or language concerns you, talk to them.
    50. Encourage Them To Discuss It With One Another.
    51. If you avoid talking about suicidal thoughts and feelings, your companion may assume you don't feel comfortable doing so.
    52. Your friend may feel better after talking to you about their misery if they are having suicidal thoughts but have not yet made any arrangements or are not in immediate danger.
    53. Keeping in touch with a buddy after an emergency has passed is a good way to indicate that you're still thinking about them.
    54. "Foster Collaboration Among ProfessionalsIf they still have suicidal thoughts, you could encourage them to talk to a trained counsellor.
    55. When one is in the midst of a profound emotional crisis, it can be challenging to think rationally, and those who are emotionally overwhelmed often exaggerate the severity of the situation.
    56. Such a warped point of view might contribute to suicidal ideation by making the individual feel as though suicide is their only option.
    57. Although grounding techniques may not be effective for everyone, they can help those experiencing extreme emotional distress refocus on the present moment and regain a sense of control over their thoughts and feelings.
    58. Incorporate some light exercise into your time together with the following suggestions:Find a comforting item and hold on to it (or pet).
    59. Find your friend's favourite sweater, blanket, or other comfort item together if you know they're having trouble locating it.
    60. Additionally, many people find that being able to cuddle with a pet helps them feel better.
    61. Please play some music for me.
    62. It's time to get up and going.
    63. It's always fun to work up a sweat with a pal by going for a stroll or doing some simple exercises like jumping jacks.
    64. Play a round of 5-4-3-2-1 if you like.
    65. Tell your pal to write down the five most striking things they observe visually, the four most striking sounds they hear, the three most striking smells they experience, the two most striking sensations they encounter, and the one most striking taste they encounter.
    66. Your friend may have discussed a suicide prevention strategy with a therapist if they've had suicidal thoughts in the past.
    67. These strategies are brief and to the point, and they often address things like:signs that a person is contemplating suicidelist of things to think about before ending your own life and contacts for people who can aidtechniques for coping with adversity in order to keep goingThere is a risk that kids won't think to create a safety plan if they don't have one before they're in a dangerous situation.
    68. Continue To Be With Them.
    69. Staying in close proximity to or communicating through phone with your friend can help both of you feel more secure.
    70. Assure them you will stay with them until help arrives, and offer to put them in touch with loved ones.
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