01/02/2022
Mental Health First Aid: How to Help a Person with Suicidal Thoughts.
Did you know?
According to World Health Organization (2021)
-That more than 700, 000 people die due to su***de every year.
-For every su***de there are many more people who attempt su***de.
-A prior su***de attempt is the single most important risk factor for su***de in the general population.
-Su***de is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds. Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and fi****ms are among the most common methods of su***de globally.
Do you know someone who committed su***de? Do you know a person who's struggling with suicidal thoughts? Or have you ever had suicidal thoughts or still struggling with suicidal thoughts? Here are the mental health first aid that we should remember for us to help our self or someone who's struggling with suicidal thoughts.
1. LISTEN
If you have someone who's struggling mentally, listen to them carefully in their words and actions. Seek for the signs on their words or action if they are having suicidal thoughts.
2.ASK DIRECTLY
Asking the question “Are you thinking about su***de?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about su***de in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Because there are times that you'll never know if you never ask.
3. BE THERE
This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk. An important aspect of this step is to make sure you follow through with the ways in which you say you’ll be able to support the person, do not commit to anything you are not willing or able to accomplish.
4. KEEP THEM SAFE
Help them focus on their reasons for living and avoid trying to impose your reasons for them to stay alive. Have they already done anything to try to kill themselves before talking with you? Does the person experiencing thoughts of su***de know how they would kill themselves? Do they have a specific, detailed plan? What’s the timing for their plan? What sort of access do they have to their planned method?
5. HELP THEM CONNECT
Helping someone with thoughts of su***de connect with ongoing supports (like the Lifeline, 800-273-8255) can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis. Additional components of a safety net might be connecting them with supports and resources in their communities.
6. FOLLOW UP
After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of su***de, and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call. The follow-up step is a great follow uptime to check in with them to see if there is more you are capable of helping with or if there are things you’ve said you would do and haven’t yet had the chance to get done for the person.
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