![]() However, depending on whether your friend is actively suicidal (seriously considering suicide, has a plan or the means to carry out a plan) or experiencing suicidal ideation without any intention of acting on it (passively suicidal) - you need to make sure they are getting the appropriate level of care.Īfter a conversation with Dr. If you are having this conversation with a friend, it’s time to reach out to somebody. Do you have the means to carry out that plan?Īsking these questions will allow you to better gauge the severity of their symptoms and help you decide which step you need to take next.If they answer yes to any of these questions, then follow up with these questions: Do you think your friends and family would be better off without you?.Sometimes, an individual’s suicidal ideation isn’t obvious - but if you do have the slightest suspicion that your friend might be suicidal or is thinking about suicide, be direct and ask them about it. “Everybody’s got their problems.” When someone is suicidal, they feel that they have no other option and telling them this is incredibly invalidating to their pain.Īfter listening to your friend, it’s then time to take a more active role in the conversation. If your friend is suffering with suicidal thoughts or feelings, they don’t feel like they have a lot to live for - even if you know they do. ![]() “You have too much to live for.” Everything will blow over.” This statement also undermines their feelings. Do what you can to make them feel comfortable opening up instead and ask if they’ll let you get them professional help. If your friend is talking about suicide or showing signs of suicidal behavior, it is to be taken seriously. “You don’t really want to die…” You may say this out of fear, but stop yourself if you can. Avoid this statement as well as similar phrases, as they only pass judgment. Know that if they are having thoughts of suicide, they are in more pain than you realize. “Your life isn’t that bad!” It might not seem like your friend has reason to feel so unhappy, but their pain is something nobody else can understand. “I know that you’re in pain.” Again, validate how your friend is feeling and reiterate to them that you are there to help however you can.Ī few examples of non-compassionate statements you should avoid saying: Be sure to do so in a calm, non-aggressive way. You might even remind them of a funny or heartwarming memory. ![]() I can’t imagine life without you.” Take a moment to let your friend know just how much you love and care for them. “Can I bring you dinner? Would you like it if I came over?” Instead of asking if there’s anything you can do, think of a couple specific things that you could do to help or support your friend. In addition, this statement shows that you care for and empathize with them. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.” It’s important to validate what your friend is feeling and experiencing. First, just really listen and show your concern by your body language and compassionate statements,”Ī few examples of compassionate statements: You can show your support by listening and giving them your empathy and compassion.Īfter speaking with licensed psychologist, Laura Chackes, she gave some insight on this: “It is important to give lots of empathy to help them feel comfortable sharing, and hold back from trying to fix what they’re going through or giving them any advice. If your friend is experiencing suicidal ideation, that means they’re hurting immensely - and they likely want to talk about it and feel heard. Here’s a little bit about what you can do to help them. But it is incredibly important that we do talk about it and get our loved ones the help they need to prevent them from reaching a point of crisis. ![]() Suicide isn’t an easy topic to think about, let alone discuss - especially with someone you suspect is suicidal. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at to connect to a trained crisis counselor.
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