Sep 12

Sep 12 Having difficult conversations

Depression and Anxiety, Article, Mental Health, Relationships, Resilience

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which is dedicated to spreading awareness and information about suicidal ideation, recognizing common signs and seeking treatment.

If you know someone who might struggle with suicidal ideation or self-harm, knowing how to help can be challenging, and you may fear making the concern worse. However, bringing up the topic won’t “place the idea” in someone’s head. In fact, talking about it openly can help your loved one feel supported and less alone.

Here are a few tips for starting a conversation and helping a loved one in emotional distress.

Check-in. Bring up any concerning behaviors and be direct. Let them know it’s okay if they don’t want to discuss it but that you’re there for them. If they do share with you, be sure to thank them for their trust.
Listen without judgment. Most people in emotional distress are looking for someone to listen to them. Be that person and pay attention. Try asking questions about what they share and avoid offering empty advice such as “try to look on the bright side.”
Assess risk factors. If you are talking to someone who admits to having suicidal thoughts or harming themselves, it can be difficult to stay calm. Take a deep breath and assess the situation. If you feel they are in immediate danger, you can seek help by calling 911 or taking the individual to the hospital. If not, keep talking with them and find out how you can best support them.
Help make a safety plan. This plan outlines clear steps to take when your loved one is struggling. It can include calling other loved ones, creating a calming routine and easy access to emergency hotlines such as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988).

Offer to help them contact resources. Therapy or counseling can be highly beneficial for those struggling with these concerns. Offering to assist them in finding support can be a huge help and get them one step closer to healing.

Of course, in a situation where suicide and self-harm are brought up, professional help may be needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information on mental health and seeking support, check out the article Mental health resources.