There isn’t a person alive who hasn’t been affected by suicide. The abrupt trauma ripples throughout a person’s entire community. Countless moms, dads, siblings, husbands, wives, fiancés, girlfriends, boyfriends, cousins, children, and friends have been impacted by a loved one’s suicide. That is why Direct Primary Care of Boca Raton is highlighting, like many other organizations, September as Suicide Prevention Month.
With suicide being the eleventh leading cause of death in the US, with 49,476 lives lost in 2022, here are 10 ways you can help a loved one who is suicidal.
#1 — Ask them about it
Although it will take wisdom and care to know how to ask your loved one, it could be the open door they need to talk about their internal struggles.
#2 — Tell them how much you love them
Reminding the people in your life that you love them and are for them is vital to any relationship — especially those contemplating suicide. Most people struggling with suicidal thoughts feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and disconnected. Affirming your love for them, or anyone you know, is never not needed.
#3 — Try to get them out and doing things they enjoy
If you know what your loved one likes, offer to go with them to enjoy those things. It could be attending a sporting event, listening to live music, going out for ice cream, or taking a walk. Make a conscious effort to do what they like.
#4 — Give them tasks and responsibilities
Often, people struggling with suicidal thoughts, feel completely worthless. Giving them a task can remind them that they’re capable and have a purpose.
#5 — Don’t minimize any self-harming talk, behaviors, or cries for attention
If your loved one frequently discusses self-harm, exhibits self-harm, or acts out, it can be easy and natural to minimize it. It’s like The Boy Who Cried Wolf. However, it is important to extend grace and patience. Never take what they say lightly.
#6 — Build a support team for when you’re not around
Your loved one, especially a child or spouse, may have a hard time taking your advice. A friend or another relative may be able to express the same things you want to, but in a way, they can hear it. Being intentional about building a community for your suicidal loved one can be a huge help and alleviate some of the pressure you feel caring for them.
#7 — Look for signs they’re preparing for departure
As hard as it is to think this way, it is vital that you don’t put your head in the sand. Be vigilant when it comes to monitoring your loved one’s mental health.
#8 — Offer to take them to counseling
Expressing thoughts and emotions is challenging for anyone — even more so with someone who is struggling with suicide. Your loved one may feel guilty talking to you about their feelings because you always try to be there for them and have already done so much. Counseling may be just what they need to bring relief and clarity. Contact us for referrals.
#9 — Send them a Lifebox
Sending them a lifebox can remind them how special they are and that they are not alone. Contact Wondherful to send your loved one a lifebox for free.
#10 — Take your loved one to get an annual physical
The body is a finely tuned and intricate system. If your diet is off, your mental state can be affected. At Direct Primary Care of Boca, we always ask our patients about their mental health because our goal is to offer holistic, affordable, compassionate healthcare.
DPC is here for you and your loved one. We want all our patients to feel comfortable enough to talk about depression, anxiety, and suicide. Make an appointment today.
Sources:
Suicide Prevention [Internet] Center of Disease Control [April 25th, 2024]
Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html
Suicide Statistics [Internet] American Foundation of Suicide Prevention [Report Retrieved May 11th, 2024] Available from: https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/