How can we help a person who has suicidal thoughts? What can we do if we face such a delicate situation? Understand how you can help them in these difficult times.
On many occasions, talking about suicide is considered taboo in our society. But, in those cases where there is a risk, talking about it can be vitally important. When faced with any sign of suicidal thoughts, it is completely normal for us to ask ourselves what we can do to help prevent suicide.
Suicide prevention: How can we help a person who is having suicidal thoughts?
If you think that a loved one is having suicidal thoughts It is important to get closer to be able to talk about it. Support and listening without judgment are very helpful in these cases. Additionally, we recommend that you keep the following tips in mind:
Let’s not try to solve your problems quickly: This may sound invalidating or superficial.
Suicide cannot always be prevented with emotional support: We need to be aware of our limits and always encourage access to professional help.
Be careful with “remembering the positive”: Doing so abruptly or insensitively can aggravate the feeling of guilt.
Don’t minimize your pain: Saying “feelings are temporary” should be a message of hope, but always combined with validating what they are feeling at that moment.
Talk to them: Talking directly about your concerns or giving them space to express how they feel can be helpful in dealing with these overwhelming feelings. Above all, you should know that the ideal is to always ask with sincerity and respect.
Show him that he is not alone: Given any sign that there are suicidal thoughts, one way to help the person is precisely by showing them that you are there to provide emotional support. The message we must give is that we are there in the face of any adversity.
Focus on listening: A person who is having suicidal thoughts means that they are suffering from an emotional burden that they cannot bear. Therefore, a good way to help them is to accompany them and listen to their feelings, emotions and thoughts, as this will allow them to relieve part of that burden.
Avoid trying to solve the problem: When a person suffers from difficulties or problems it can be tempting to offer them advice to try to cope. If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, this can be counterproductive, making the person feel more frustrated or guilty about their situation.
Take care of yourself and help take care of it: Being in a situation where a person is thinking about suicide can destroy our mental health. Given this, one way to take care of the other person is also by taking care of ourselves. Additionally, this can also help the person focus on self-care.
Recommend them to seek help: The most important thing is that the person who is in this situation turns to a professional psychologist. The reason is that you need assistance because you are facing a difficult time in your life.
Don’t judge them: If a person who has suicidal thoughts tells you about their situation, it is important that you try not to judge them at any time. That is, do not be impressed by these statements. The reason is that showing criticism or blaming them can make them close down and no longer show these feelings.
Make them think about the positive things in their lives: A good way to improve the situation of a person who is having seduced thoughts is to try to make them remember everything positive or good they have in life. That is, explore in more detail what can give you a reason to live.
Remind them of all the people who care about them: It can also be helpful to try to remember those people who are by their side and who care about them. Furthermore, we can emphasize that these people will always be willing to support you.
Emphasize that feelings are temporary: It motivates the person to think that the majority of negative emotions they feel right now will not be like this forever and that with professional help the intensity of these feelings will end up reducing over time.
Above all, it is crucial that you never minimize their feelings and make sure they know that you believe them and that you are always there to support them.
He key approach when a person has suicidal thoughts is to validate their painoffer a non-judgmental listening session and avoid any comments that minimize their emotional experience. It is not necessary to have all the answers, the most important thing is that the person feels that you are by their side and that they can express what they feel without fear of being judged or misinterpreted.
What usually doesn’t help someone who is having suicidal thoughts?
It is important to keep in mind that there are some words or gestures that can be counterproductive in a situation like this. Hence, we should avoid the following actions:
Try to find a solution to your problems, feelings or emotions.
Tell them that they should cheer up or get out of these thoughts.
Change the subject or ignore these feelings.
Mention that they have no reason to feel this way.
Downplay your feelings, problems or emotions.
Compare your situation with other problems you may have experienced.
Say or show this type of statement to a person who has suicidal ideation is of little use. In fact, these responses can make the person feel rejected, criticized or judged, something that will cause them not to express these feelings again or to shut down emotionally from others.
By citing this article, you acknowledge the original source and allow readers to access the full content.
This article has been reviewed by our editorial team at PsychologyFor to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to evidence-based research. The content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.
