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

[Kigen Valarie]

I'm also an attempted suicide survivor and to tell the truth, I don't know what I expect from people. It's just like Addison who doesn't understand why she doesn't want to talk to Booker. I, however, think groups like the Hope Squad could help.

[britcott30]

It really depends on how I know the person. If this person only needs me to listen, then I will always spare time for her/him only to listen. If this person needs advice, then I will always try to be in her/his shoes to feel how this person feels and try to search for the best advice for them.

[Nancy004]

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 completely agree with your perspective on supporting someone who has attempted suicide. Each person's experience is unique, and it's essential to be sensitive to their individual needs. Providing a non-judgmental space and being a good listener can make a significant difference in their healing process. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and valuable insights on this important topic.

[Nancy004]

I’m really not sure how to do this. I know from experience that providing comfort is very hard to do, especially since those dealing with attempted suicide don’t really want to discuss what has happened. It’s made even more difficult by the fact that reasons for attempted suicide are complicated. I suppose not treating the with kid gloves is a good solution. Many who have done this feel awkward already. The further you get from the attempt, the easier it gets.

You're absolutely right that discussing such a sensitive topic can be difficult, especially when the person may not be ready or willing to open up about their experience. It's important to navigate this delicate situation with empathy and understanding, respecting their boundaries and allowing them the space to heal in their own time. Your insight about not treating them with kid gloves is valuable, as it acknowledges the need for genuine connection and avoids further alienation. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this matter.

[Nancy004]

I think we need to meet people where they are at. I am a firm believer in supporting people, but also not getting too involved if I am not too close to them. I would definitely encourage them to seek professional help, and be there as an ear to listen if I was close to them and able to handle it personally. It is very tough to help someone in this situation, but there is help out there.
A big part of it is awareness and openness for any school or work place. Not treating people differently, no judgment etc.

Meeting people where they are at and respecting their boundaries are crucial aspects of providing support. Encouraging them to seek professional help is indeed important, as trained professionals can offer specialized assistance. Being available as a listening ear, particularly for those close to you, can also make a significant difference. I appreciate your emphasis on awareness, openness, and creating non-judgmental environments in schools and workplaces. These efforts contribute to fostering a supportive and understanding community. Thank you for your thoughtful response.

[Nancy004]

I learnt from the book that the best way is not to judge them or try to be too protective or harsh. The best thing is to make them feel loved and let them know you are with them.

Your understanding of the importance of avoiding judgment and finding a balance between being protective and harsh is valuable. Making someone feel loved and reminding them that they are not alone can provide a sense of comfort and support during such challenging times. I appreciate your contribution to the conversation.

[Nancy004]

Creating a comforting environment for someone like Addison, who has experienced a suicide attempt, involves open communication and empathy. Letting Addison know that you support her unconditionally and providing a judgment-free space for her to share her feelings is essential. Building a solid support system around her by encouraging professional help and connecting her with support groups can offer a sense of understanding and belonging.

Educational institutions and workplaces should prioritize mental health support. Training teachers, staff, and colleagues in mental health awareness and sensitivity can reduce stigma and ensure appropriate responses. Implementing policies promoting mental health resources and regular check-ins can help identify and support individuals in need.

Creating a comforting environment for someone like Addison requires empathy, open communication, and a robust support system. Encouraging professional help and connecting with support groups can provide understanding and belonging. Educational institutions and workplaces should prioritize mental health support through training and policies. By fostering empathy and providing resources, we can create a more supportive and compassionate environment for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Open communication, empathy, and a robust support system are essential. Encouraging professional help and connecting with support groups provide understanding and belonging. Educational institutions and workplaces should prioritize mental health support through training and policies. By fostering empathy and providing resources, we can create a more supportive and compassionate environment for individuals facing mental health challenges. Thank you for your valuable insights.

[Nancy004]

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?

This is a very pertinent question. Lately, mental health and wellness are gaining enhanced attention. And one related area of serious concern is suicide. There is an increasing need of awareness that people who attempt suicide are undergoing tremendous emotional pain and helplessness about it, that they choose to end the pain by ending their lives. Thus, as a family or a friend of someone like Addison, I would make myself available and I would communicate that I'm there should the person need to talk about anything. I would make myself accessible, and keen on listening, without giving any advice. Educational institutions and workplaces should have excellent and updated mental health services in place and should invest in sensitizing everyone about the related concerns, acceptance of the person, empathy and compassion for them.

It is indeed crucial to be available and communicate our willingness to listen without judgment. Creating a safe and accessible space for open conversations is essential. I agree that educational institutions and workplaces play a vital role in addressing mental health concerns and promoting awareness, acceptance, empathy, and compassion. It is important to invest in robust mental health services and sensitization efforts. Thank you for highlighting these important aspects.

[Marissa Maniaci]

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.

[Carly Sprout]

I came across some advice that really resonated with me when I was at a really low point. That was to do just one thing I thought I could never do before. Maybe it's finally writing down all those floating ideas in your head, maybe for you it's taking a walk or waking up early to see the sun rise, or going to a new store, colouring in a page, talking to someone about what hurts you. Start something and finish it. For me, I finished my short story. It was grounding and helped improve my level of self-efficacy. This brought me comfort and in sharing this, I hope it will comfort others.

[Sonia_Gonzalez]

This is a difficult question to answer, and I am fortunate to never had to experience it. I think the only support we can give someone who attempted suicide is space and respect. We cannot force someone to talk about what they did or why they did it; we cannot force them to spend time with us and act like nothing happened (as Addison and Booker showed) but when they are ready, we should be there.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

I am glad I wasn't the only one that felt like Addison did not receive the appropriate support from her family and friends.

As a suicide attempt survivor myself, I found that having people treat me like they normally do would make me feel back to "normal" faster.
Showing discomfort or sadness around a survivor can make them feel shame and guilt and cause them to push friends and family further away.

But different things work for different people. I think the most important thing is to show them validation and reiterate that you're there for them no matter what mood they're in.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

I can't agree with this more! Validating survivors is so important and providing a comforting and safe communication space is essential. Many people don't think about the lasting emotions and feelings after committing a suicide attempt. The suicidal ideations and thoughts don't magically disappear and the survivor often feels shame and guilt for attempting.

I love that you mentioned educational institutions and workspaces! Training for staff can help better identify individuals at risk and regular breaks, vacations, and an understanding management team can help prevent burnout that leads to depression or anxiety.

Creating a comforting environment for someone like Addison, who has experienced a suicide attempt, involves open communication and empathy. Letting Addison know that you support her unconditionally and providing a judgment-free space for her to share her feelings is essential. Building a solid support system around her by encouraging professional help and connecting her with support groups can offer a sense of understanding and belonging.

Educational institutions and workplaces should prioritize mental health support. Training teachers, staff, and colleagues in mental health awareness and sensitivity can reduce stigma and ensure appropriate responses. Implementing policies promoting mental health resources and regular check-ins can help identify and support individuals in need.

Creating a comforting environment for someone like Addison requires empathy, open communication, and a robust support system. Encouraging professional help and connecting with support groups can provide understanding and belonging. Educational institutions and workplaces should prioritize mental health support through training and policies. By fostering empathy and providing resources, we can create a more supportive and compassionate environment for individuals facing mental health challenges.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

This is perfect. We should be mindful to give survivors the space they may need, it is up to that survivor how they'd like to utilize that space and communicate their needs at that moment because their needs can change every hour or every day depending on the situation.

This was such a great answer, thank you for sharing.

This is a difficult question to answer, and I am fortunate to never had to experience it. I think the only support we can give someone who attempted suicide is space and respect. We cannot force someone to talk about what they did or why they did it; we cannot force them to spend time with us and act like nothing happened (as Addison and Booker showed) but when they are ready, we should be there.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

I'm glad you're still here.

As a survivor as well I agree with you! Having the space made for me was wonderful but it was up to me to use that space for whatever I needed in the moment, even if I didn't want anything. It's normal not to know what to expect from people or to know what you want from people. People just giving you the option of their ear to listen or their shoulder to cry on is absolutely wonderful.

I'm also an attempted suicide survivor and to tell the truth, I don't know what I expect from people. It's just like Addison who doesn't understand why she doesn't want to talk to Booker. I, however, think groups like the Hope Squad could help.