It can be challenging for individuals, families, organizations, and communities to talk about mental health. However, not talking about mental health and suicide can increase the risk of people who are struggling and potentially decrease the likelihood that someone will seek help when they need it the most.
Empowering conversations can prevent suicide. When someone is struggling, talking openly about mental health and suicide with friends, family, or colleagues can make a significant difference. Not sure where to start? Consider these five tips.
1. Ask
How: Asking openly and directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” shows that you are willing to discuss suicide in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner. Listen to their reasons for their emotional pain and why they want to continue to live. Help them focus on their reasons for living, not the reasons you think they should stay alive. Do not ever promise to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret.
Why: Findings suggest that acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal ideation.
2. Help keep them safe
How: After you ask, it’s crucial to nail down a few key points to ensure immediate safety. First, check if they’ve already done something to harm themselves. Next, ask if they have a specific plan and means for suicide. The myth “If someone really wants to kill themselves, they’ll find a way to do it” often does not hold true if appropriate safety measures are put into place.
Why: Knowing the answers to these questions can tell us about the imminence and severity of the person’s danger.
3. Be there
How: Be physically present for someone, speak with them on the phone when you can, or show up in any other way that demonstrates support for the person at risk. If you are unable to commit to being there, talk with them to develop ideas on who can help and how they might support you.
Why: Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation has shown to be a protective factor against suicide.
4. Help them connect
How: Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing support can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis. One way to start helping them find ways to connect is to work with them to develop a safety plan. A safety plan is designed to guide people through a crisis, to keep them safe, and get them help.
Why: Connected people are significantly less likely to feel depressed, suicidal, and overwhelmed while also feeling more hopeful.
5. Follow up
How: Follow up with them to see how they’re doing. Send a message or give them a call. This is an excellent time to see if there is anything else that you can do to support them.
Why: This type of contact can continue to increase their feelings of connectedness and share your ongoing support. There is evidence that even a simple form of reaching out, like sending a caring text, can potentially reduce their risk for suicide.
Ready to start the conversation?
Remember to treat mental well-being as part of overall health. Share resources with your loved one and act early. Contact 988 or your local mental health center to understand what mental health resources are available in your community.
Suicide is preventable, and the steps above can be essential in offering hope, support, and a path toward healing.
