Supporting someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or considering self-harm requires compassion and empathy. It is important to recognise this is a serious situation that is best handled by qualified health professionals, but each of us can make a difference by showing care and understanding.

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm:

Many reasons drive a person to such depths of despair including depression, broken-heartedness, a sense of failure, financial distress, addiction, or other mental health disorders. Suicide is seen as a last resort – taken by people who see no other solutions to their current situation.  Suicide does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, gender, age or socioeconomic status may feel suicidal. Even someone who seems to “have it all” can be vulnerable.

The first thing we need to do is to move away from the stigma of blame and shame. It is not our place to judge others, but to recognise that the person is experiencing a real mental health crisis, and make ourselves available for them to safely confide in us so that we can help them to get the help they need.

Identifying Common Warning Signs: Recognising warning signs of suicidal thoughts or self-harm can help us be more attentive to those around us. Some common signs include:

  1. Verbal Cues: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, talking about wanting to die or end their life, or mentioning specific plans or methods related to self-harm.
  2. Emotional Changes: Sudden and intense mood swings, persistent sadness, anxiety, or anger.
  3. Behavioural Changes: Engaging in self-destructive behaviours, such as increased substance abuse or recklessness, withdrawing from social activities, or displaying changes in sleep and appetite patterns.
  4. Social Isolation: Withdrawing from relationships and social interactions, avoiding activities they once enjoyed, or expressing feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
  5. Giving Away Belongings: Unusual acts of giving away personal possessions, making final arrangements, or saying goodbye to loved ones.

Approaching the Situation: When someone reaches out to you and discloses their suicidal thoughts or a desire for self-harm, providing a safe and supportive environment is essential. Here are some guidelines to follow:

General Guidelines

  • Always take the possibility of suicide seriously.
  • Always respond immediately.
  • Never handle a suicidal situation on your own.
  • Never put yourself in any kind of danger.
  • Only do what you are able to, and always get support for yourself.
  1. Encourage Professional Help: It’s critical to emphasise the importance of seeking professional help. Suggest contacting mental health experts, helplines, or emergency services for immediate assistance. Offer to assist them in finding appropriate resources and making appointments.  Encourage them to contact LifeAssist.
  2. Safety Planning: If the person is at immediate risk, contact LifeAssist and guide them to create a simple plan that includes strategies for managing the immediate next steps.  Help them to identify supportive individuals (family, friends etc) or helplines they can reach out to.
  3. Listen Non-Judgmentally: It is OK to talk about suicide openly and directly.  Offer your full attention, empathy, and support. Allow them to express their feelings openly and without fear of being judged.
  4. Express Concern and Care: Let them know that you genuinely care about their wellbeing and that you are there to support them. Avoid minimising their feelings or offering simplistic solutions.
  5. Emphasise the temporary nature of the person’s problem: Explain how the crisis will pass in time and that these feelings are temporary.
  6. Maintain Regular Contact: Stay connected with the person and regularly check in on their wellbeing. Let them know that they are not alone and that you are there to provide support. Encourage them to reach out to you whenever they need someone to talk to.

Remember that you are not expected to be a mental health professional, but by offering support and encouraging them to seek professional help, you can play a crucial role in their journey towards recovery. Together, we can foster a society that promotes mental health awareness and aims to provide the help that those in distress genuinely need.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or worried about someone you care about, call LifeAssist to speak to a professional counsellor for guidance. The service is 100% confidential and available at no cost to employees and their immediate families.