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

[Shanesha Sammerson]

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Listen non-judgmentally: Allow the person to express their feelings without interruption or criticism. Show empathy and understanding by validating their emotions and experiences. Avoid offering immediate solutions or dismissing their feelings.

2. Offer support and reassurance: Let the person know that you are there for them and that they are not alone. Assure them that seeking help is a sign of strength, and emphasize that professional help is available and can be beneficial.

3. Encourage professional help: Encourage the person to seek professional assistance from mental health experts, such as therapists or counselors. Offer to help them find suitable resources or accompany them to appointments if they're comfortable with it.

4. Educate yourself: Take the initiative to learn more about mental health, depression, and suicide prevention. This will help you better understand what your loved one is going through and enable you to provide informed support.

5. Stay connected: Maintain regular contact with the person and continue to check in on them, even after the immediate crisis has passed. Offer your support, and encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy or that promote their well-being.

Addressing and supporting individuals in similar circumstances within educational institutions and workplaces requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Mental health education: Incorporate mental health education and awareness programs into the curriculum or workplace training. Promote understanding of mental health issues, warning signs, and available resources for seeking help.

2. Create a supportive environment: Foster a culture that values and prioritizes mental health and well-being. This can be achieved by promoting open discussions, reducing stigma, and providing access to mental health resources and support services.

3. Establish support systems: Develop mechanisms for individuals to seek help and support, such as counseling services, helplines, or employee assistance programs. Ensure that these resources are well-publicized and easily accessible to all members of the institution or workplace.

4. Train staff and faculty: Provide training to staff, faculty, and supervisors on recognizing signs of distress, appropriate responses, and referral pathways. This will help create a supportive network and ensure individuals in need are connected to the necessary resources.

5. Implement policies and procedures: Establish clear policies and procedures for responding to mental health crises, including suicide attempts. Ensure confidentiality, sensitivity, and a coordinated approach among relevant stakeholders.

6. Foster a flexible and accommodating environment: Recognize that individuals experiencing mental health challenges may require accommodations or adjustments in their academic or work responsibilities. Be flexible and understanding in providing support, such as extended deadlines or workplace adjustments, where appropriate.

[Chimdik Chimezi]

I would suggest not blame them for their action, show them love by being around them. Try to find out what they are struggling with and then help them to emotional grow stronger through trainings by a professional.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

Supporting a friend like Addison starts by being a reliable and non-judgmental presence in her life. Make time to listen, really listen, to her thoughts and experiences, being patient as she navigates her unique path to recovery. Gently encourage her to engage with professional mental health resources, even offering to accompany her if she's comfortable with that. Schools and workplaces can play a key role in such circumstances, too. They should strive to create environments where mental health discussions are encouraged and support services are readily accessible. Accommodating the needs of individuals in their recovery process, like offering flexible schedules or workload adjustments, can also make a significant difference. Remember, the aim is to create a supportive atmosphere where Addison feels understood, cared for, and less isolated.

[SelenaRomero]

I've never been in such a situation before and I think I may not really know how to deal with the situation. I also felt those close to Addison didn't know how best to handle it but I think offering your genuine presence and care would go a long way. I am reading opinions in case of an instance in the future.

[Sarah Sonbol]

I have never met someone who attempted suicide, so I'm not sure what the best approach could be. However, I think that those who have a friend or family member who attempted suicide should consult a psychiatrist or a psychotherapist as they have more experience dealing with similar cases.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

This is such a great and comprehensive list! There are so many things that can help a survivor, but I think first and foremost it's important to validate their feelings and ask them outright how you can best support them through this time.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Listen non-judgmentally: Allow the person to express their feelings without interruption or criticism. Show empathy and understanding by validating their emotions and experiences. Avoid offering immediate solutions or dismissing their feelings.

2. Offer support and reassurance: Let the person know that you are there for them and that they are not alone. Assure them that seeking help is a sign of strength, and emphasize that professional help is available and can be beneficial.

3. Encourage professional help: Encourage the person to seek professional assistance from mental health experts, such as therapists or counselors. Offer to help them find suitable resources or accompany them to appointments if they're comfortable with it.

4. Educate yourself: Take the initiative to learn more about mental health, depression, and suicide prevention. This will help you better understand what your loved one is going through and enable you to provide informed support.

5. Stay connected: Maintain regular contact with the person and continue to check in on them, even after the immediate crisis has passed. Offer your support, and encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy or that promote their well-being.

Addressing and supporting individuals in similar circumstances within educational institutions and workplaces requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Mental health education: Incorporate mental health education and awareness programs into the curriculum or workplace training. Promote understanding of mental health issues, warning signs, and available resources for seeking help.

2. Create a supportive environment: Foster a culture that values and prioritizes mental health and well-being. This can be achieved by promoting open discussions, reducing stigma, and providing access to mental health resources and support services.

3. Establish support systems: Develop mechanisms for individuals to seek help and support, such as counseling services, helplines, or employee assistance programs. Ensure that these resources are well-publicized and easily accessible to all members of the institution or workplace.

4. Train staff and faculty: Provide training to staff, faculty, and supervisors on recognizing signs of distress, appropriate responses, and referral pathways. This will help create a supportive network and ensure individuals in need are connected to the necessary resources.

5. Implement policies and procedures: Establish clear policies and procedures for responding to mental health crises, including suicide attempts. Ensure confidentiality, sensitivity, and a coordinated approach among relevant stakeholders.

6. Foster a flexible and accommodating environment: Recognize that individuals experiencing mental health challenges may require accommodations or adjustments in their academic or work responsibilities. Be flexible and understanding in providing support, such as extended deadlines or workplace adjustments, where appropriate.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

This is so inspiring! Showing yourself you can accomplish things that seemed hard before is a great way to motivate yourself and feel overall better about yourself and your place on this earth.

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.

[Okoye Chinonso+]

This is a really tough question because some people are so good at faking smiles and hiding their sorrows. But the best thing I could probably do is look out for signs, no matter how little. After identifying any of the signs, I would say all the words of affirmation I could think of; at the end of the day, it's a complete loss of hope and faith that leads one into despair and brings suicidal thoughts.

[Nancy004]

Is it possible to create a comforting environment for someone who has attempted suicide? In theory, you'd of course want to make every effort to make them feel loved - but did they not feel loved before? Maybe that would remedy the attempts from those who lacked love, but surely many attempts come from something deeper that can't be comforted away. Not every problem can be solved by smothering with love.

I sometimes think of Robin Williams, who gave so much of his gifts to the world. While I don't know details about his personal life, surely he felt love from his family. However, he had personal demons from doing drugs for a few years - that much I do know. Something like that stays with you, especially if your brain has been chemically altered in some way. How can you possibly comfort someone like that? I don't think there is an answer for this.

Certainly, let me provide you with a personal example. I had a close friend who was going through a challenging time in their life. Despite having a supportive network of friends and family who loved them, they struggled with depression and feelings of hopelessness. We tried our best to create a comforting environment, offering our love and support, but their inner struggles persisted. It became clear that their pain ran deeper than what we could comfort away. It was a complex situation where professional help and specialized intervention were necessary to address the underlying issues. This experience highlighted the limitations of comfort alone and reinforced the importance of seeking appropriate professional assistance.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Nancy004]

This is a difficult question to answer because I think it can be solved in various ways. I prefer talking ti the person and letting them know that they have people to count on. I think that's the best solution to the problem.

Thank you for sharing your perspective on providing comfort and support to someone who has attempted suicide. Engaging in open and compassionate conversations, letting them know they have a support network to rely on, can indeed be a valuable approach. Communication and reassurance can help individuals feel less alone and reinforce that they are cared for.

[Nancy004]

I have never been around someone who attempted to commit suicide. But if I were to give support to one, I would make myself readily available to them. I would always get them food and also give them words of encouragement.

Thank you for sharing your perspective on providing support to someone who has attempted suicide. Being available, offering nourishment, and providing words of encouragement are indeed thoughtful ways to show care and support. While each individual's needs may vary, your willingness to be there for them and offer a listening ear can make a significant difference.

[Nancy004]

I'm glad you asked this question because I honestly would have no idea how to respond! The comments have been very insightful for me. I am someone who has never struggled with depression and as such I don't feel well equipped to comfort those who are in the thick of it - which is one reason I wanted to pick this book up. I would love to feel more confident in my ability to be the best support I can be for anyone in my life that feels this way.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I totally get where you're coming from. It's not always easy to know the right things to say or do when someone has attempted suicide. It can be a complex and sensitive situation that requires understanding and empathy. It's great that you're open to learning and becoming a better support system for those in need. Remember, just being there for someone, listening without judgment, and encouraging them to seek professional help can make a big difference. Your willingness to grow and be there for others is truly admirable. Keep up the positive attitude!

[Nancy004]

I believe that the best thing that one can do is to let the person know that they don't have to discuss anything that makes them unconfortable, but to ensure that they know that you always have an open ear in case they want to talk. You want to create a space where they feel okay to express themselves so they don't ever feel the need to take drastic measures again.

I completely agree with your approach of creating a safe and non-judgmental space where they can freely express themselves if they choose to. It's crucial to let them know that you are there for them and willing to listen without pressuring them to discuss anything they're not ready for. Your suggestion of fostering an environment where they feel understood and supported is a compassionate approach. Thank you for your contribution to the discussion.

[Nancy004]

My older brother is a practical example for me. I go all out to show love and support, I believe these people felt all alone in the first place and it led to the incident. Therefore I make them see how intentional my love and care to them is.

Thank you for sharing your personal example and perspective. It's truly admirable how you go all out to show love and support to those who have experienced such deep struggles. Your belief in the importance of making them feel intentionally loved and cared for is commendable.

I can understand the significance of addressing the feelings of loneliness that may have contributed to their pain. Your efforts to create a sense of companionship and support can make a positive impact on their well-being.

I also want to express my compassion for your brother and his journey. Dealing with such challenges requires strength and resilience. I wish him well and hope that he continues to find comfort, love, and support in his life.

Thank you once again for sharing your experience and insights. Your efforts to provide comfort and support are truly inspiring.

[Nancy004]

Well this could be a difficult task but then the greatest comfort is love. You need to tell them the need why they should love themselves and also others. I don't think anyone can harm himself when he genuinely has self love.

I appreciate your emphasis on the power of love and self-love in such situations. Love and encouraging individuals to develop a positive relationship with themselves can indeed be comforting. However, it's important to consider that suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental health struggles, external circumstances, and underlying psychological issues. While self-love is valuable, it may not be the sole solution for everyone. It's essential to approach each individual's situation with empathy, understanding, and a comprehensive support system that includes professional help and therapy. Your insights contribute to the ongoing discussion around this sensitive topic. Thank you for sharing your perspective.