Suicide Prevention

They say that a best friend is the best therapy, and while a best friend may not have the expertise of a trained specialist, sometimes just having someone to talk to can stall a suicide long enough so that an individual can get the proper help. It also makes a suicidal individual feel less stressed and alone. But talking about suicide isn’t easy. We know that. That’s why we offer the following suggestions on how to handle such a delicate conversation.

• Take it seriously. No matter what the situation or environment, start talking when you hear suicide-speak. Even if the subject is mentioned in a joke, use the opportunity to (1) talk about how unfunny suicide is and (2) ask if the joker is he’s thinking about committing it. If you have past experience with suicide, talk about how it affected you and how you’d hate to see anyone hurt the way you’ve been hurt. Then offer a listening ear.
• Be careful not to judge. Refrain from blaming the individual for events in his or her life, and try to be as supportive as you can. If the person you’re talking to asks a question that you’re not comfortable answering, such as, “Have you ever thought about committing suicide?” fight your resistance and tell the truth. If the answer is yes, explain how you overcame the thought. If the answer is no, explain why. Then try to talk the individual into seeking counseling. If necessary, call 911.
• Stress that while a suicidal person’s problems are important, they’re really only temporary. Try to focus the person’s attention on the future and the role that person will play in the future. Talk about the person’s dreams, goals, and plans. Talk about how the both of you plan to maintain a relationship in the future. By placing the person’s mind out of the now and into the future, he or she will hopefully recognize that there’s a reason to live.

   

None of these suggestions are guaranteed barriers against suicide, but they’re at least a good start. Give it a try!

Kelly Bush
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/talk-your-way-into-suicide-prevention-1070703.html