How do I help someone who is contemplating suicide?

I realise this is a very sad and morbid topic but with the ever rising rates of attempted suicide, particularly in children and sadly successful suicides it is something that needs to be talked about.

This is a very scary topic and if a person comes to you with this conversation it is tempting to try and make them feel better, down play how bad they are feeling and try and 'cheer them up'. 

However, the best support you can give someone is to listen and take them seriously. Statements like; 'I hear you are finding life really hard, I am glad you have talked to me, how can I help you?', are supportive ways to show the person in need you are listening to them, not judging them and are there to help.  

Having a conversation about suicide and letting someone talk about how they are feeling, what they are thinking and even how they are planning to end their life WILL NOT make them more likely to suicide.

Another crucial line of support is offering for the person to call you anytime and commit to calling you before they put their plan into action.

ALWAYS REMEMBER once a person has reached this level of desperation professional help is required and you cannot help them on your own, not just because the need for help is greater than you can offer but it is too much pressure for friends and family only. Your job is to be there whenever they need and to listen. A professional's job is to provide them with the appropriate support to hopefully move them beyond the immediate crisis of attempting to end their life and then to support the process of improving their quality of life and have the skills and strategies to maintain overall positive mental health.

There are a number of avenues to direct a person contemplating suicide and also for supportive friends and family. 

If you feel or are told that there is immediate danger to a person's life don't hesitate ringing the police and ambulance. If you feel no one is in immediate danger, lifeline and kids help line are available 24 hours a day.  Your GP can direct patient's to relevant health professionals like myself- a psychotherapist, psychologists, counsellors (if trained in this area) and psychiatrists.

My goal with this blog was to open up a conversation about suicide, remind you it is ok to talk to someone about suicide and hopefully empower you to feel like you can offer support to someone in this crisis.

Let's all look after each other.