September is Suicide Awareness month and like many other mental health related month, more and more people are sharing their very own personal stories and struggles. On the other hand, there are the individuals who sadly continue to remain ignorant and shut down the importance of spreading awareness. While I don’t have the time nor the care to convince the close minded that depression is a real thing, I do however, promise to never stay silent. Time for some straight talk.
In the US, suicide takes the lives of one person every 12 minutes. That means every day, about 105 Americans die by suicide. This is clearly a big problem. Do you ever find yourself tongue tied, at a loss of words, or simply having no idea how to help a friend who is considering to take their life? Below, I’m going to cover a few simple tactics then can go a long way.
How to talk to a suicidal person:
First, let’s get the cat out of the bag, and remember - talking about suicide does not make a person lead more toward that option.
So if you are worried about someone, it’s okay to talk to them. If they open up to you, that means they trust you, so remember to talk to them judgment free.
Validate their feelings. We may not understand what they’re currently going through and why they feel hopeless, but validating someone’s feelings can help them feel understood.
As heavy as it is to discuss suicide, encourage them to keep talking. Studies show talking can save lives.
Don’t appear disappointed, angry, or shocked. This will only make the individual shut down a possible discussion.
Be there. Simply, be there and listen. Truly listen, don’t rush the conversation. Ask your friend if there is anything you can do to help. Chances are, they’ll say no, but don’t leave it at that.
Tell your loved one a few reasons why you decide to live and ask them if they can think of any for themselves as well.
Even if your friend asks you to leave them alone, don’t. You never want to leave an individual who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or intentions alone.
Stay with them or find someone who can. As someone who previously volunteered as a Crisis Counselor, I can assure you these next few steps are crucial:
1.) Remove any objects the person can use to hurt themselves, such as sharp objects, weapons, or drugs.
2.) Ask the person if they can agree not to kill themselves for a short period of time, such as a few hours or days. This can be quite helpful if they are waiting to receive medical attention.
3.) Reassure the person that they are not alone and you will stay with them for safety concerns because you care.
4.) Encourage the person to go to the emergency room. If you can, go with them so they feel supported and less alone.
If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Available 24/7
Crisis Text Line
Text 'Hello' to 741741 to be connected to a trained crisis counselor.
Free and available 24/7
Trevor Project (LGBTQ)
Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-TALK (8255), Press 1
Helpful apps:
My3 Safety Plan
Virtual Hope Box
Operation Reach Out
Your story isn’t over yet. Together, we can prevent suicide.
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