Tips on How To Help A Suicidal Friend

Suicide awareness is a purposeful effort to increase knowledge about suicidal thoughts and behaviours. By drawing attention to statistics and psychological research on suicide and by encouraging positive conversations and participation to prevent suicide, it aims to reduce social stigmas and confusion.

The loss of life is tragic because it could have been avoided. Suicidal episodes come and go, and there is help that can reduce suicidal thoughts and actions. So, how can you tell whether someone is in danger? What should you do if you believe someone might consider suicide? Here are some helpful tips:

What can you do if you think someone is suicidal?

1. Ask about their well-being and whether they have any thoughts of harming themselves. “Are you experiencing ideas of hurting yourself?” is a direct question that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask. Bringing up the subject of suicide won’t “put the idea in their head.” In reality, many people who have considered suicide find relief in talking about their concerns.
2. Like a true friend, pay attention to them. Someone who thinks about suicide needs your help. So, avoid calling them unreasonable, dramatic, or overreacting. Allow them to express their thoughts and feelings while being a good listener; don’t cut them off or try to convince them that things are not as bad as they think.
3. Show them you feel worried about them and concerned. “I’m concerned since you’ve been sad a lot recently”. Alternately, let them know what they stated about wanting to hurt themselves truly worries you.
4. Make sure they understand that you heard them. To make sure you understand, don’t be scared to tell them what you just heard. Don’t pass judgment on anything they say, simply let them know you’ve been paying attention and can see why they’re unhappy.
5. Remind them that they are not alone. It can be intensely lonely to struggle with mental illness. People may feel as though they are unique or that no one can understand them. Inform them that they are not alone. This feeling of overload, depression, fear, and anger has been experienced by others before. Additionally, let them know that you and others are thinking of them and are ready to help.
6. If you are having thoughts of suicide, you shouldn’t be worried that talking to an adult will violate their trust or cause them to “shout” at you. Teenagers and young people who are suicidal tend to be grateful when someone finally knows. Keep in mind that being a good friend may preserve their life. And a trusted adult, such as a mental health professional, family member teacher, mentor, or pastor, will assist you in knowing what to do.

Mtase suicidal thoughts may typically indicate that a person has lost hope. They might think no one can assist them. They may have run out of other ways to get away from uncomfortable or unbearable feelings or circumstances. However, they will eventually feel well again, and a responsible adult will get them the support they need.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657)