Helping Someone Who Is Suicidal
To help someone who may be depressed and considering suicide, first, just listen and talk. Avoid acting as the "therapist" — but be sure to help the person get professional help. Here are some suggestions of ways you can help:
- Show your concern and empathy. Express your caring and encourage your loved one to stick with the treatment plan, including prescribed medication.
- Describe specific things that trouble you. A good way to get communication started with a depressed person is to describe specific ways you have seen his or her behavior change.
- Work with healthcare professionals. If you think your loved one is close to suicide, tell the person's doctor and treatment team about your loved one's thoughts of suicide.
- Stress that your loved one's life is important to you and others. Share your feelings of caring, interest and involvement in your loved one's life. Tell him or her how a suicide would be devastating to you. You can talk about positive events.
- Be prepared for anger. A suicidal person may show anger or betrayal if you are attempting to intervene. These responses are part of the illness.
- Always be supportive. No matter what, continue to offer your support to a person who is thinking about or has attempted suicide.
- Take care of yourself. If you are closely involved with a suicidal person, it is quite possible that you may experience stress or feelings of depression yourself. It is important to pay attention to your own feelings and to get help if you need it.
NOTE: To view or print PDF files, you must have Adobe® Reader®. Click here to download the free reader.
