Suicide is a complex and deeply personal act that often leaves a lasting impact on the survivors. Understanding how we can support others and ourselves in moments of crisis is essential. Knowing how to recognize the signs, offer support, and seek help can be life-saving.
Understanding the Signs of Crisis
Recognizing the signs of a crisis is the first step in providing support. Individuals who are considering suicide often exhibit warning signs that they are struggling. These signs may include:
- Verbal cues: Statements like “I can’t go on,” “I wish I were dead,” or “There’s no way out” indicate distress (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019).
- Behavioral changes: Withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleeping patterns, giving away prized possessions, or an increase in risky behaviors can signal that someone is struggling (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2022).
- Emotional signs: Feelings of hopelessness, intense sadness, irritability, or extreme mood swings are also critical indicators (Hedegaard et al., 2020).
How to Support Others
When someone shows signs of being in crisis, offering support can make a difference. Here’s how to effectively support someone during such times:
- Listen without judgment: Create a safe space for the person to share their feelings. Listen actively and empathetically. Avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. Instead, validate their feelings by saying things like, “I hear you,” or “It’s okay to feel this way” (Joiner et al., 2021).
- Ask direct questions: If you suspect someone is considering suicide, it’s essential to ask them directly about their feelings. Questions like, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” or “Do you have a plan to take your own life?” are necessary. Research shows that asking these questions does not increase the risk but rather provides relief and shows that you care (Gould et al., 2020).
- Encourage them to seek professional help: Suggest contacting a mental health professional, counselor, or suicide hotline. Offering to accompany them to an appointment or helping them find resources can be very supportive (World Health Organization, 2019).
- Stay connected: Check in with the person regularly, showing them that they are not alone. Building a support network around them with friends, family, or support groups can provide the continuous support needed during a crisis (Bryan & Rudd, 2018).
How to Support Ourselves
Supporting others can be emotionally taxing, especially if you are dealing with your challenges. It’s vital to practice self-care and seek help when needed:
- Set boundaries: While helping others is important, it’s equally important to recognize your limits. Set boundaries to prevent burnout and protect your mental health. It’s okay to say no and take time for yourself (Smith et al., 2020).
- Practice self-care: Engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, such as exercise, meditation, reading, or hobbies. Self-care is essential in maintaining mental well-being and resilience (Carter et al., 2019).
- Seek support: If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals. Joining a support group for those who help others in crisis can also provide a space to share experiences and coping strategies (Wilson et al., 2019).
- Educate yourself: Understanding more about mental health and suicide can empower you to provide better support and recognize when you need help. Attending workshops, reading up-to-date materials, and being aware of local resources can be beneficial (Mann et al., 2021).
Conclusion
Suicide Awareness Month is a reminder that we all play a role in supporting those in crisis and taking care of our mental health. By recognizing the signs of distress, offering nonjudgmental support, and encouraging professional help, we can make a significant impact. Simultaneously, it’s crucial to practice self-care and seek help when needed. Let’s commit to being there for each other, creating a world where mental health struggles are met with compassion, understanding, and appropriate care.
References
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2022). Warning Signs and Risk Factors. Retrieved from afsp.org
- Bryan, C. J., & Rudd, M. D. (2018). Managing Suicide Risk in Primary Care. Springer.
- Carter, T., Silverman, M., & Allen, N. (2019). Self-care and mental health. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 41(2), 116-125.
- Gould, M. S., Lake, A. M., & Munfakh, J. L. (2020). The potential protective effects of youth suicide prevention. Preventive Medicine, 132, 105999.
- Hedegaard, H., Curtin, S. C., & Warner, M. (2020). Suicide Mortality in the United States, 1999–2018. NCHS Data Brief, (362), 1-8.
- Joiner, T. E., Van Orden, K. A., Witte, T. K., & Rudd, M. D. (2021). The interpersonal theory of suicide: Guidance for working with suicidal clients. American Psychological Association.
- Mann, J. J., Apter, A., Bertolote, J., Beautrais, A., Currier, D., Haas, A., … & Wasserman, D. (2021). Suicide prevention strategies: a systematic review. JAMA, 286(10), 1227-1235.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Suicide. Retrieved from nimh.nih.gov
- Smith, A., Laskowski, E., & Moldovan, R. (2020). The role of boundaries in mental health. Counseling and Psychotherapy Research, 20(3), 343-349.
- Wilson, C., Crowe, M., & Scott, J. (2019). The support networks of people who have attempted suicide. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(1), 130-139.
- World Health Organization. (2019). Preventing suicide: A global imperative. Retrieved from who.int
