An important aspect of this step is to make sure you follow through with the ways in which you say you’ll be able to support the person – do not commit to anything you are not willing or able to accomplish.
How – This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk. In fact, studies suggest the opposite: findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation. Why – Studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
Help them focus on their reasons for living and avoid trying to impose your reasons for them to stay alive. Listening to their reasons for being in such emotional pain, as well as listening for any potential reasons they want to continue to stay alive, are both incredibly important when they are telling you what’s going on. The flip side of the “Ask” step is to “Listen.” Make sure you take their answers seriously and not to ignore them, especially if they indicate they are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Other questions you can ask include, “How do you hurt?” and “How can I help?” Do not ever promise to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret. Asking in this direct, unbiased manner, can open the door for effective dialogue about their emotional pain and can allow everyone involved to see what next steps need to be taken. How – Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. The five action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention.
0 kommentar(er)
