Practical Solutions if Someone is Thinking about Suicide
Even though the topic of suicide is talked about a lot in mainstream media it can feel a lot different when someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide. It’s easy to freeze up and not know what to say. That’s why it’s important to think ahead and have a plan for a time of crisis like this. So what should we do and say if we suspect that someone is thinking about taking their own lives?
Today we’re going to talk about practical solutions if someone you love is thinking about suicide.
I’m Angela Howard, my passion is to break the stigma of mental illness among fellow Christians. I’m here to help you live a more purposeful life with God, and with one another. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you can get the first updates of new content.
What to Do if Someone is Thinking About Suicide:
- Start the conversation.
You don’t have to be a counselor to share the symptoms you’ve noticed. It can be as simple as, “I’ve noticed you haven’t been sleeping very well….I’ve noticed you’ve dropped out of our weekly get-togethers….I’ve noticed you haven’t been showing up to family gatherings….You used to love these things.”
- Are you thinking about suicide?
Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide, isn’t going to make them contemplate taking their own life. If their answer is yes, follow up with question #3…
- Do you know how you would do it? Have you made a plan?
- When was the last time you thought about suicide?
Follow-up Action Plan
- Reach out for help. This can be help from a counselor, physician, or a psychiatrist. Ask your loved one who they might have been in connection with in the past or currently.
- Remove any means such as medication or weapons from the person.
- Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255.
As a friend your job is not to fix all of the problems in your friend’s life. Your job is to be a friend who listens with the intention to understand, who cares, and who truly hears with passing judgement.
One kind statement you can say is that “I know you are hurting right now. You are so valuable to me and I am confident that we can get through this together.”
Scripture:
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. Proverbs 27:9 (MSG)
Question:
Do you have a friend a family member who is struggling? Comment below, I’d love to pray for you!
Resources for Treatment:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255
Connect to a counselor: https://hisheartfoundation.org/request-a-counselor-referral/
Please subscribe for videos on our Youtube Channel for our amazing resources. I’ll be sharing great tips and encouragement for whatever your facing—whether you’re fighting mental illness or have a loved one who is.
