Download
1 / 5
50 likes | 53 Views
A lot of people are not great listeners! So if someone trusts you enough to vent to you and express themselves, listen rather than talking over them or dismissing them. A mental health crisis toolkit or behavioral health toolkit can give you some tools to use to listen better if you need it.
E N D
With more teens committing suicide every year and even more making the attempt, it is important schools, parents and communities work together to help them. This can include making use of a mental health crisis toolkit along with adopting some of the following advice. Treat the teen seriously There seems to be a big misapprehension that people talking about killing themselves are not going to really do it. In fact, three-quarters of people who commit suicide had spent a few months or weeks before talking about it. If someone expresses suicidal feelings take it seriously. There is another misunderstanding that only ‘crazy’ people do it. Again this is not the case, just about 10% of people who are suicidal have delusional or psychotic beliefs. While many more might have depression this does not make them ‘crazy’.
Suicidal behavior is a cry for help, so offer it to them Remember that the fact they are still alive but talking about suicide rather than doing it shows there is some ambivalence. Show them you are there for them. Use a mental health toolkit if you need it to help support them. Do what you can to reduce their pain A lot of people thinking about suicide are afraid to tell people, afraid it will bring more pain and that they will be brushed off and accused of being manipulative. When someone talks to you about this show them kindness and support. See if there is anything you are doing inadvertently to add to their pain and adjust that behavior, otherwise see what you can do to take pressure off them and reduce that pain. Listen when they talk rather than interrupt A lot of people are not great listeners! So if someone trusts you enough to vent to you and express themselves, listen rather than talking over them or dismissing them. A mental health crisis toolkit or behavioral health toolkit can give you some tools to use to listen better if you need it.
Ask someone if you think they are having suicidal thoughts If someone is not exactly talking to you directly but you are worried about them ask. Always ask if you are worried. So many people talk about having someone who committed suicide and they never asked because they didn't want to intrude or such. Show them you care, that you take them seriously, that they are important to you. If you find they are closer to the action than you thought do not leave them alone and get help. Let them vent any pent-up emotions they may be holding onto. Be patient and encourage seeking professional help When you are talking with someone who is suicidal you need to keep trying to enage them, dont let them push you away. Be patient, kind, and keep up with any and all options you think might help. Use a mental health toolkit, and keep encouraging them to seek professional help.
