Suicide is still a very serious problem. When a friend or family member confides in you that they are feeling suicidal, it was probably one of the hardest steps they have had to take to get help. When someone tells you they are suicidal, you need to be sensitive to their feelings and be mindful of the words you use, to ensure they feel you are there for them.
“There Is So Much to Live For” or “Keep Fighting”
While you may be trying to be encouraging, these statements may not hold true to this person. When someone is suicidal, they think the world would be better off without them. They may not think there is much to live for or that things will get better. It is important to learn why someone would say this before you are quick to tell them things will get better. Depending on how complex the problem is, it may not come with a quick solution.
“There Are People Who Have It Much Worse”
It is useless to compare your loved one to someone else, as it belittles their pain. It is no different than when someone tells you they suffered a heart attack and you respond by telling them others out there have cancer. These statements tend to be judgmental and ignore that mental health problems are just as real as any other problem. If someone feels like their world is coming to an end, do not make them feel like their feelings are not valid.
“You Are Being Selfish” or “Crazy”
Calling suicide selfish, crazy, or any other negative connotation is, again, belittling the person’s pain. It does not acknowledge the hard feelings your loved one is experiencing. We want that person to know we are there for them in their moment of darkness and despair. Being judged is not what they need right now.
Positive Ways to Talk About Suicide
We should not be afraid to talk about these subjects. Talking about it will not increase the risk of suicide. The most important thing is to have a caring conversation about these suicidal thoughts to increase the feeling of hope. The best thing you can do for someone suffering from suicidal thoughts is to let them know they have your help and support.
People who are suicidal need to be handled with care. You do not want to say something wrong or hurtful to someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and regret it later on. This means it is crucial to not pass judgment or make the person feel inferior, especially if they are coming to you for help. If you or someone you care about is experiencing thoughts of suicide and depression, Alta Loma is here to help. Our experienced mental health specialists can create personalized treatment plans to address your specific concerns. We can offer you tools that will pertain to your psychiatric needs, such as individualized therapy, therapeutic recreational activities, life and coping skills education, medication management, long-term care, and more. We understand that asking for help can be hard, but reaching out to us is the first step on your journey to a happier, healthier life. You can give us a call today at (866) 457-3843 to learn more about how to get help.
