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

[Ruka N]

When Addison returned to school following her suicide attempt, it was evident that everyone, including her friends and teachers, felt uneasy around her. This only exacerbated her discomfort. If you were a close friend or family member of someone like Addison, how would you go about creating a comforting environment for them? Moreover, how should educational institutions and workplaces effectively address and support individuals in similar circumstances?

Honestly, no matter how much I think about it, I don't know how I would have dealt with the situation. Even though I had a sibling that was suicidal she never attempted it. For us, we tried to get her involved with things that we knew bring her genuine happiness, sometimes it worked other times it was hopeless. Being around good supportive, encouraging and loving teachers, going to a psychologist, and new school environment with different set of friends helped. I think with teenagers family can't do as much to help as their peers, teachers and a psychologist can do, since that's where as who they spend most of their time with. I do think we were lucking it never escalated.

[Hyfr Zack]

One must first comprehend the cause of the person's suicide attempt. This is so because there are numerous possible causes of suicide. The best course of action is to always encourage the person and never bring up the past. Making the person aware of various reasons to live is also advised. Those who are Christians would greatly benefit from re-enrolling in the church forum.

[Chinenye Sus]

I firmly believe in meeting people where they are in life. Providing support is crucial, but I also believe in maintaining a healthy boundary, especially if the connection isn't very close. Encouraging them to seek professional help is vital, and if we're close and capable, being a listening ear can make a difference. Assisting someone in such a situation is challenging, but there is assistance available.

Creating awareness and fostering an open environment at schools or workplaces is essential. Treating everyone equally, without judgment, is a significant part of this approach.

[Rishaunda Lynnette Britton]

Addison is just a reflection of what a lot of heavily depressed people who have attempted suicide fave out there in the society. For me, those who have suicidal thoughts should be provided maxim love and acceptance. They should be schooled to appreciate the feelings of be in alive.

[Dauria04]

I believe it's about meeting each other halfway. We can't expect that someone who is going through a very emotional and difficult moment in their lives will tell us exactly how they want to be treated, because maybe they don't even know it yet. I think just being there for whatever the other person might need is a great start, and from there you can come up with a way to help the other together.

[Amanda Nixon]

That's such a tough one to answer. I felt the cringy awkwardness in this book when it reached this point and was secondhand embarrassed for everyone around her because of how awkward they acted and made her feel. And then I thought, but honestly how should you react? And the answer was...there isn't any one way that you should react. It's important to let that person know you are there for them but this can happen in a variety of ways depending on who the person is and who you are. For instance, someone might just want you to show that you are there by making regular plans with them. While you shouldn't hide away the matter you also don't have to constantly talk about it. Leave the topic aside for a couple hours and go get a coffee, hit a concert, or simply hang at your place together if that's what you're used to. Sometimes all someone wants is for you to do the things you've always done together. On the other hand, let them know that you're there to talk and listen if they want to do so. Some people might want to talk about it a lot and this could be how you help them. No matter what it depends on the situation and it's important just not to judge or be mean or cut them out.

[Gabrielle Norconk]

As someone who has attempted suicide, just listening really helps. Letting them talk about the experience itself with the doctors and medical staff and psychiatric staff, because that itself is really traumatizing. Basically treat them the same but make clear your that you support them unconditionally and non judgmentally. And I think it's important to remember that sometimes it can be too much for the supporter as well, and it's okay if you need your own breaks and your own support because when it's someone you love you have your own trauma from the experience to deal with.

[Zainab Wasif]

I would not question their behaviour. I would try and be with him/her so they don’t feel lonely and if they need a shoulder to cry on, I’m there. I would wait for them to confide in me no matter how much time it takes and then try to make them understand.

[Kendal Low]

I think the worst thing you could do is behave as if you find them odd or interesting. Instead of excluding them for their choices, make them understand that it doesn't make them some sort of exile. Everyone has their issues, and just because someone's was more severe than another's doesn't mean they should feel ashamed.

[Kendal Low]

I think showing them that you can be a listening ear and that you're not judging them could be greatly helpful. They shouldn't be made to feel embarrassed and ashamed, they should feel comfortable enough to talk about their issues.

[Ivy_Nesty28]

If my friend attempts suicide, then I will try to create a safer environment for them. I will try to solve the reason why my friend couldn't confide in me. As for schools, teachers need to understand the mental health of the students better. They should be supportive and try to find signs of any issues.

[Nele Ma]

Educational institutions and workplaces should provide mental health training, accessible counselling services, and non-discriminatory policies. Regular check-ins and suicide prevention initiatives are also crucial. This proactive approach can aid individuals in crisis and work towards preventing future incidents. But in the end, it is very individual whether this helps or not

[Jane Honda]

Showing such a person love is the greatest form of support. But we should be careful not to overprotect such person and also give them the chance to try out new things.

[Nonny Kenneth Ezeanwu]

I think the first solution lies in figuring outstanding the cause then addressing it so that's what I'd do. As for educational institutions, they should enhance their counselling services. This way they can curb suicide and stop it before it even happens.

[koffi Malay]

We need to show them that they are not alone and we all face difficulties in one way or the other. We need to make them not feel alone.