5 Tips to Help a Suicidal Individual (Guest Post)

Article by Steve Johnson
Edited by Maureene Danielle
​Post design by Christy Zigweid
Image by tiyowprasetyo via Pixabay CC made using @WordSwagApp

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In the U.S., suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, and it claims “more than twice as many lives each year as homicides.” 

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There are certain behaviors and situations that can add to suicidal thoughts. Losing a loved one, losing a job, or breaking up with a loved one are just a few situations a person may find themselves in that add unneeded stress to their life.

Drug abuse, addiction, or mental illness may also add to, or be a part of, suicidal thoughts and feelings. There are many things you can do to help a struggling suicidal individual, but if you’re struggling with how to help someone you care about, these five ideas can help you be there for your loved one in a meaningful way. 

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Image via Pixabay by cherylhol

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5 Ideas to Help a Friend or Loved One Considering Suicide

1. Being there, physically and emotionally for someone considering suicide is one very important way you can help. Just sit and listen to them. They will see that you care, are willing to be with them, and help where you can.
2. Offer to help them seek professional help. Whether it’s a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or even a support group, it is essential that they find professional help. They can get help for drug abuse, addiction, mental illness, and their suicidal thoughts at treatment centers offering comprehensive mental health services. There may be overlaps among their struggles or co-existing conditions, such as addiction, mental illness, and suicidal thoughts. They may need more than one professional, but it is crucial that they get that help.
3. Educating yourself can go a long way in helping out a suicidal individual. You can study what the warning signs of suicidal thoughts, addiction, and different mental illnesses are. You’ll also be able to find a lot of information as to how to help your loved one.
4. Take good care of yourself. This may be a tip most people wouldn’t think of as being helpful; our natural tendency is to neglect our own needs for the ones we love. Yet, self-care is essential. You cannot help anyone unless you are healthy and taking care of yourself. Try to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest and sleep. These things will help you to have more energy to help your suicidal friend or family member.
5. ​Do not be critical of the person or their lifestyle. You don’t want them to feel uncomfortable with you or to put their guard up when you’re around or communicating with them. Remember that addiction, mental illness, and suicidal thoughts are not things that a person can just “snap out of.” Realize that what the person is feeling is real; do not minimize their struggles. The critical issue at the moment is getting this person help, so there is no need to be critical or pushy.

Contacting Professionals

Support is available through a variety of organizations, and there may be several local or national services available to meet various aspects of an individual’s complex mental health condition. There are places for addiction, drug abuse, many different types of mental illnesses, and suicidal thoughts, and it’s possible that an individual may require assistance from more than one organization.

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One way to start seeking help is to call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). They can point you in the right direction to get the help that your friend or family member needs. Don’t forget that if someone is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately. 

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About the Author

Steve Johnson has always been dedicated to promoting health and wellness in all aspects of life. Studying in the medical field has shown him how important it is for reputable health-related facts, figures, tips, and other guidance to be readily available to the public. He created PublicHealthLibrary.org with a fellow student to act as a resource for people’s overall health inquiries and as an accurate and extensive source of health information. When he isn’t hard at work in his studies, Steve enjoys playing tennis and listening to his vintage record collection.