Suicide Prevention: How to Support Your Loved One

Written By Alyssa Booth

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and providing resources to those in need.

Suicide is a serious issue that affects countless individuals and families. It can also be incredibly scary when your loved one is expressing suicidal thoughts, feelings and urges.

By understanding the signs, offering support, and promoting safe spaces to have difficult conversations around suicide, we can work together to reduce stigma, create a more compassionate community, and get our loved ones the help they need.

Understanding the Signs and Suicide Awareness:

It's important to be aware of the warning signs of suicidal thoughts. While not everyone who exhibits these signs will attempt suicide, it's crucial to take them seriously and offer support. Some common warning signs include:

  • Talking about suicide or death, wishing they were gone, stating things like "I just want to go to bed and never wake up"

  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness or despair, for example "I am doomed for life", or "things will never get better for me", or "I will always be suffering". Look for extreme language like "always", "never", etc

  • Withdrawing from social activities, feeling like a burden to everyone or like they don't matter

  • Giving away personal belongings

  • Engaging in risky behaviors, such as reckless driving, substance use, disregard for something bad happening to them, etc

  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

  • Self harming behaviors, such as cutting. It's important to note that people who self harm aren't always suicidal, however this can be a sign of immense emotional pain.

Offering Support

If you're concerned about someone you know, it's essential to approach them with compassion and understanding.

Here are some tips for offering support:

  • Listen actively: Give your full attention and avoid interrupting.

  • Validate their feelings: Let them know you understand their pain and that they're not alone.

  • Encourage professional help: Suggest seeking help from a therapist or counselor.

  • Offer practical support: Help them with daily tasks or activities.

  • Don't judge or blame: Avoid making assumptions or accusations.

Myths about Suicide:

1. Talking to someone about being suicidal will increase their chance of acting on it.

Talking about suicide decreases the stigma and shame around feeling suicidal. Additionally, it can help to bridge the gap for someone to receive the help and support they need. Providing a safe place for understanding and compassion is essential to support a loved one who is experiencing suicidal thoughts.

2. Suicide is selfish.

Most of the time, people who feel suicidal believe that others would be better off without them. They might feel like they are doing everyone a favor by not being here. They feel immense pain and want to end the suffering and feel like they have to go to extreme measures to do so. Suicidal ideation is not a choice, rather a serious mental health condition that requires intervention.

3. Being suicidal is attention seeking.

Again, suicidal ideation is not a choice. Believing that someone is saying this for attention only adds to the stigma around suicide. We must take these thoughts, feelings and urges very seriously and with compassion.

4. Only people who are really depressed are suicidal.

Suicidal ideation can impact many people for many different reasons. Those who have experienced trauma or abuse, PTSD, depression, PPD, Bipolar, Substance use, etc. Sometimes there is not a diagnoses involved, which is why it is important to look for warning signs.

Promoting Mental Health

Preventing suicide involves promoting mental health and well-being. Here are some strategies:

  • Reduce stigma: Challenge negative stereotypes and encourage open conversations about mental health.

  • Encourage self-care: Promote healthy habits like exercise, nutrition, and adequate sleep.

  • Build a support network: Foster strong relationships with friends, family, and community members.

  • Seek professional help: Encourage individuals to seek therapy or counseling, medication support and support groups.

Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. Here are some valuable resources:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

  • The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

  • The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/

By understanding the signs of suicide, offering support, and promoting mental health, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Let's work together to create a more compassionate and supportive community.

To receive therapeutic support for suicidal thoughts and other mental health concerns, please call 210-816-1366.

Alyssa Booth
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