REACHING OUT TO SOMEONE YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT It is NORMAL to feel apprehensive; know you don’t have to be a professional to be there for someone you care about. Reaching out could save someone’s life. Choose a time to talk where there is privacy, go for a walk or a drive. How are you? How are you really? I have noticed you seemed a bit quiet /upset/down etc., the last few days/weeks. Keep asking open-ended questions. Remember to be non-judgmental and calm. It is okay to ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Give their feelings and experiences legitimacy – ‘That sounds really painful, I can understand why you feel like this’. Offer support – ‘I’m here in any way you need me to be’. Let them know they can get help, and they will get better with help. You might help them find a counsellor or call their doctor. If you are scared and need help yourself, you can call Lifeline for support: 131114

Reaching Out To Someone You Are Worried About

August 24, 2022 0 Comments

This post is a great pocket guide for ‘how to have that conversation’. 

Above (in the slide) are the DOs, and below are the DO NOTS:

  • Don’t try to talk them out of suicide
  • Don’t try to fix their problem. Just listen with openness
  • Don’t dismiss it as attention-seeking. Take their problems seriously

If you are considering suicide or you know someone who is, please call Lifeline @lifelineaustralia on their 24-hour helpline: 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue: 1300224636 (Australian resource).

Love Jen

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Adapted from: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/suicide-prevention/worried-about-someone-suicidal/having-a-conversation-with-someone-you’re-worried-about

CategoriesHealing, Psychotherapy, Wellness
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