How can we help someone who is thinking about suicide?

Hello again! September 10 is coming up and it is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide can be a really difficult for people to talk about. Often times, people think that if we talk about it, we are encouraging it. It is actually the opposite. If we talk about suicide, we can identify people who are thinking about it, and help them get the support they need.

By talking about suicide, we decrease the stigma and shame associated with it. Shame is the biggest reason people don't admit when these kind of thoughts are occurring. In order to decrease the shame, we have to 1) create a safe place to open up about it and 2) have responses that are supportive.

Things you can do to help:

Ask if you are concerned- bringing it up doesn't "put the idea in their head"

Respond with supportive statements (rather than fear-based responses)- "I hate that you are feeling so awful, I want to help. How can I better support you?" or asking about what is going on that they feel so heavy

Keep reaching back out to them until you know they are feeling better overall- sometimes people need to know that people care and are a support

Contact emergency people (police, hospital) if someone is having imminent feelings of wanting to hurt themselves

Help them get in to see a therapist

Here are some events going on this month for Suicide Prevention-
Sept 8th is Omaha Out of the Darkness Walk

Sept 14-30 is Veteran's Suicide Awareness Race (virtual)

The Kim Foundation is a great organization that helps families effected by suicide. They have professionals who will meet with families to provide support and give them resources in the community to help them heal.

As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions, or need other ideas of ways to support someone who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Thanks for reading and being in connection with me,

Steph