How can we provide comfort and support to someone who attempted suicide?

[AvishaJain_13]

Contrary to what people are saying here, its not that difficult. Do not judge someone who attempted suicide or shame them. If you're good at reading emotions and moods, then be conscious of what that person needs at a difficult moment. If you're not good at judging, ask them what they need, they'll be happy you cared. Most importantly, and this goes for educational institutes as well as individuals, do not treat them like they're contagious. Treat them how you would treat someone who you care about and would not like to see harmed.

[Salah bourouba]

I would act as normal as possible, try to make her feel that she can go back to living a normal life. as for the school, I think providing educational courses of spirituality, religion and support groups of people who had similar experiences and surpassed it.

[Storm+]

Individuals and institutions can do a lot of good for suicide survivors simply by providing support for them. Overcoming biases and stigmas in order to simply be there for these people can help them feel less devoid of hope and make them feel more involved and significant to the community. While this is not necessarily the best course of action for everyone, it has the potential to help many.

[Brian Ruguru]

Several factors can trigger suicidal thoughts: depression, debts, overwhelming court cases, family matters, etc. Depending on the individual, I will assess the situation and help in any way I can, even if it is just by being present.

[Brian Ruguru]

Individuals and institutions can do a lot of good for suicide survivors simply by providing support for them. Overcoming biases and stigmas in order to simply be there for these people can help them feel less devoid of hope and make them feel more involved and significant to the community. While this is not necessarily the best course of action for everyone, it has the potential to help many.

In addition, I have seen several helplines and links to free counsel. Such may prove helpful. And yes, it may not be the best course of action, but it is a starting point.

[Brian Ruguru]

I would act as normal as possible, try to make her feel that she can go back to living a normal life. as for the school, I think providing educational courses of spirituality, religion and support groups of people who had similar experiences and surpassed it.

With regards to religion, I know of churches that offer free guidance and accommodation until the victim feels better. As for spirituality, prayer works wonders; I know that firsthand.

[Brian Ruguru]

I think this is a really complicated question because you don't want to just pretend the attempt never happened because that might make the person feel even more isolated and like no one would care, but you also don't want to make them feel smothered and untrusted or force them to deal with your emotions on top of their own unstable ones. I actually think a lot of the characters in the book handled it very well. Just by approaching Addison and letting her know they were there for her and would continue to be there for her when she was ready without pushing her to open up immediately seemed to be very effective in helping her not feel so alone.

I understand where you're coming from. However, it is not that easy to simply approach someone and tell them what you're contemplating to do. Further, most characters were mainly teenagers with little knowledge of how to handle such a situation.

[Timothy Rucinski]

I've only had minimal experience with suicide throughout my life, so I'm no expert. For me, I think that the best thing you can do is make yourself available and let anyone who has attempted to end their own life understand that you are there to listen. Just that. And let them know you'll listen when they are ready to talk, not when you are ready to listen. The problem is that you can't do the same for someone who has succeeded at suicide. The unfortunate successful cases with which I am familiar were done spontaneously out of anger, sadness, and disappointment. I suppose looking for any clues that might be a tip-off that someone is capable of such a deed is critical. Once suspicions are raised, then the willingness to listen kicks in. And then it becomes important to find additional help. Because if you are like me, there's only so much someone untrained in this area can do.

[Omneya Shakeep]

This is a tough one to answer because I think every case will be unique. I would make myself available to them in any way they wanted. It could be just sitting quietly together, listening to them without an opinion, etc. Depending on the individual, they may want normalcy and nothing more. Educational institutions and workplaces need to be sensitive to the individual needs of the person.

I agree with you, Bertha. It is different for each character and situation. The only thing we can do is be supportive in the way they need it the most.

[Sam Ibeh]

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to this. It's all about having empathy for one another. Anyone can be in Addison's situation, even though with peculiarities. However, we need to support each other knowing that we can be in the lowest of moments and in need of people to lift us up.

[Nganyi Humphrey]

This is the first time I'm seeing this scenario, and I guess I'll maintain a good relation with the friend as I try to know the reason why he or she took the option of committing suicide. As for educational institutions and workplaces its best if there is no discrimination directed towards any person.

[Mari Inez]

Its important to be in communication with parents and know and understand what the doctors recommend. I also think its important to let the person know that you are there for them and that they mean a lot to you. Addison remarked that she believed her mother would be better off without her. Understanding where that person is and ensuring they know their importance, and feel wanted 'here' is how I would go about it.

[Rupali Mishra]

It's difficult to respond to this because I believe that each scenario will be different. I would be there for them in whatever capacity they required. It might be as simple as the two of you sitting quietly and listening to them without interjecting, etc. Depending on the individual, they might only seek normalcy. The demands of the individual must be taken into consideration by companies and educational institutions.

[Oluwasegun Timothy]

I've seen someone being suicidal and I've also seen suicide cases. It's a horrible thing. Anyone suicidal or have attempted it needs lots of love and attention. They need someone to listen to them and allow them open up.

[Seetha E]

A person who has made an attempt on their life has given up on both himself and everyone else. They took this extreme action because they couldn't express their extreme desperation.
I don't think I'm equipped to manage the circumstance. But if they are willing to talk, the least one can do is be present and ready to hear what they have to say. To evaluate the circumstance, they require composure.
If they do not communicate their feelings or open up, we may need to gently point them in the direction of professional assistance.