World Suicide Prevention Day: 8 ways to help a loved one feeling suicidal
Do you know someone who is feeling suicidal? Here are ways that you can support them.
Suicide is a leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 720,000 people die due to suicide every year.
A report by the SA Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) states that 23 people die every day in South Africa due to suicide.
Some of the leading causes of suicide continue to be depression and anxiety. Other leading factors provided by SAFMH include:
- Grief
- Misuse of alcohol or drugs
- Loss
- Low self-esteem
- Social isolation
- Having a history of sexual or physical abuse
- Imprisonment
- Losing a loved one through illness or trauma
- An inability to form or sustain meaningful relationships
Support from a loved one can go a long way, therefore, it’s important to note that prevention plays a role in ensuring that people understand that they can make a difference in someone’s life.
Sometimes it takes being available for someone to ensure that their life is spared.
As the world observes World Suicide Prevention Day, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has shared eight ways to support a loved one who is feeling suicidal:
- Talking to someone about their suicidal thoughts doesn't usually make them more likely to end their life.
- Let the person know you care about them, and that they are not alone
- Practice an empathetic response with a phrase like, "I can't imagine how hard or painful this time is for you, but I'd like to try to understand."
- Avoid judgement, try not to criticise or blame the person. Avoid saying things such as, "Why do you feel suicidal?" or "You shouldn't feel this way."
- Ask about their reasons for living and dying and listen to their answer. Try your best to explore reasons for living in greater detail.
- Ask if they have a plan for ending their life. If they have a plan, encourage them to seek help that they are comfortable with e.g., SADAG, a therapist or a doctor.
- If they do not have a plan, focus on the people they care about, who cares about them and reassure them that this feeling won't last forever.
- Be proactive. Those contemplating suicide often don't believe they can be helped, so don't waitfor the person to reach out. Drop by or call them. Your support is vital.
For more on how to identify someone who is feeling suicidal, read here.
SADAG 24-hour contact number: 0800 567 567.
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