Just imagine how frightening it is to pick up the phone and hearing your friend or loved one say that they are thinking to end their life. It can be very upsetting, but this is the time they need you the most. You might get confused about what to do to help, whether you should talk about it or if your intervention might make the situation worse. But taking action is necessary as a small step can save someone’s life.
Now the question is how to act if the person doesn’t talk about it? So for that here are few signs you can consider to find out
- Extreme mood swings
- Talking about wanting to die
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Looking for ways to kill themselves
- Getting angry
- Becoming quiet,
- Acting recklessly,
- saying negative things about themselves
Talking about suicide can be a plea for help. If you think that someone may be feeling suicidal, encourage them to talk about how they are feeling.
Ways to help:
- Let them know you might help
- Empathize with them and tell them that suicide is not the solution.
- Be non-judgemental as they will pick up your attitude and can get comfortable.
- Reassure them that they will not feel this way forever
- Encourage them to focus on getting through the day
- Make sure someone is with them if they are in immediate danger,
- Offer to listen as they express their feelings of anger and loneliness.
- If you are not around them, make sure you keep talking to them
- If they need immediate help, connect them to someone like a doctor or suicide helplines.
Sometimes a person with suicidal thoughts just needs someone to listen to them, so hear them out and be a good support.
