Suicide Prevention
New Beginnings
December 22, 2020
Dealing with post-holiday blues
January 19, 2022
Have you ever saved someone’s life? Have you ever wondered how you would respond in a life and death situation? As you are reading this, you are likely thinking about a medical emergency or accident. But what about someone who is seriously thinking about ending their life by suicide? How aware are we of those around us on the balance of life and death? We come across very few accidents in our lives, yet 25% of Americans 18-25 years of age have thought about killing themselves in the last year. My guess is you have interacted with more than 3 young adults in the last year and thus have had the potential to positively influence someone to live. In fact, you could save a life with a lot less training than CPR requires. Here are some specific things you can do to help someone in need and help save their life.
1. Learn what to do. Many of us don’t know what to do if someone tells us or we sense that they are struggling emotionally. When we are unsure, we tend to not act or intervene. Fortunately, the strategies to help are not complicated. Below are a few links to help you know what to look and listen for and what to say. The following points will also help you become more confident in assisting others.
2. Actively listen. People in emotional pain may not show obvious signs they are in trouble. We have been taught the signs and appropriate responses of choking, heart attack, and stroke. Most of us, however, don’t know what to listen for in people considering suicide. There are 2 basic themes to listen for: hopelessness and burdensomeness. If someone seems especially down or withdrawn, listen for what is getting them through this time and what gives them hope or what they are living for. Also listen for any statements that they believe people would be better off without them.
3. Act. The next step is to acknowledge their struggle and pain with empathy and without judgment. Do not minimize it or offer simple encouragement like, “This too shall pass,” “you’ll feel better soon,” etc. Empathy is incredibly helpful and shows that you care and that their pain isn’t overwhelming. Ask explicitly if they are thinking about not being alive or ending their life. Many people are afraid that asking those questions will make their loved one think about suicide, but that’s not what happens. They may already be considering suicide and being open about the thoughts can help decrease their isolation. The discussion then becomes an opportunity to encourage them to seek professional care. Suicidal thoughts are potentially deadly serious, but very treatable with the right therapy. Encourage them to see a counselor and honestly discuss their thoughts and emotions to learn how best to handle their distress. In the short-run or more immediately, have them call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255. It is staffed 24 hours with trained personnel. Save a life.
https://preventingsuicides.org
https://afsp.org/chapter/south-carolina
Hope Community Counseling Center is staffed with trained professionals to help people who are thinking about hurting themselves. We would be honored to help them save their life and live an abundant life.
