World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us to confront a difficult reality: suicide remains a leading cause of death globally.
In the Philippines, where cultural stigmas often shroud mental health struggles, it’s crucial to break the silence and equip ourselves with the knowledge to support those in need.
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Understanding the Crisis
It is important to recognize that most people experiencing suicidal thoughts are ambivalent. They don’t necessarily want to die, but rather seek a way to escape unbearable pain.
Having someone to listen, take them seriously, and help them explore their feelings can make a significant difference.
Talking about suicide won’t plant the idea in their head; in fact, it can be a relief to finally open up.
How to Respond: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Recognize the Warning Signs: According to WMU’s Suicide Prevention Program, most people who attempt suicide signal their intentions beforehand. Be alert to changes in behavior, verbal cues (statements about feeling hopeless or wanting to die), and signs of depression or other mental health conditions. The risk may be higher as someone’s depression starts to lift.
- Take it Seriously: Never dismiss suicidal statements as mere attention-seeking. As WMU’s Suicide Prevention Program points out, a significant percentage of individuals who commit suicide have expressed their intentions to a friend or family member. Trust your instincts and err on the side of caution.
- Get Involved and Listen Actively: Show genuine concern and create a safe space for the person to share their feelings. Ask direct, open-ended questions. Let them know you care, that they’re not alone, and that suicidal feelings are temporary and treatable. Avoid clichés like “You have so much to live for.”
- Encourage Professional Help: Actively encourage the person to seek help from a physician or mental health professional. Offer to help them find a qualified professional or treatment facility and accompany them to the appointment.
- Ask Directly About Suicide: While it can be scary, directly asking “Do you feel so badly you are thinking about suicide?” can be a relief for the person. It shows you’re taking them seriously and understand their pain.
- Assess the Risk: If the person answers “Yes,” continue with these questions (adapted from WMU’s Suicide Prevention Program):
- “Do you have a plan to take your own life?”
- “Do you have the means available to carry out your plan?” (If so, what and where are they?)
- “Have you set a time?”
- “Have you ever attempted suicide before?”
- Do not leave a person whom you feel is “high risk” for suicide alone, even for a moment. Keep talking to that person, stay with him or her or arrange for another party (someone who that person trusts and feels comfortable with) to stay with them. Remove from the vicinity any firearms, drugs or sharp objects that could be used for suicide.
- If the person in crisis has taken some form of life-threatening action, get help immediately. If a person has taken any action that you believe could be considered life-threatening, don’t hesitate to get that person to a hospital yourself (if practical) or call an ambulance or emergency services.
READ: Building Resilience — Practical Strategies for Mental Strength
Recognizing the Warning Signs
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) highlights several warning signs that may indicate someone is contemplating suicide.
According to the NIMH, it’s important to be aware of these behaviors, especially if they are new or have increased recently:
- Talking about:
- Wanting to die
- Great guilt or shame
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling:
- Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
- Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
- Unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Changing behavior, such as:
- Making a plan or researching ways to die
- Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
- Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Eating or sleeping more or less
- Using drugs or alcohol more often
READ: What Does Stress Do to Our Brain?
How to Support Someone You’re Worried About
The Samaritans organization offers valuable guidance on how to support someone you’re worried about. Here are some key points:
- Trust your instincts: If you feel like something isn’t right, it’s important to act.
- Be approachable: Let the person know you’re there for them and willing to listen without judgment.
- Create a safe space: Choose a time and place where you can talk privately and without distractions.
- Listen actively: Pay attention to what the person is saying, both verbally and nonverbally. Show empathy and understanding.
- Ask open questions: Encourage the person to talk about their feelings by asking questions like, “How are you feeling?” or “What’s been on your mind?”
- Be patient: It may take time for the person to open up. Don’t pressure them, but let them know you’re there for them whenever they’re ready.
- Don’t offer solutions: Unless asked, avoid giving advice or trying to fix the person’s problems. Sometimes, just listening is the most helpful thing you can do.
- Encourage professional help: If the person is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, encourage them to seek professional help.
- Take care of yourself: Supporting someone who is struggling can be emotionally draining. Make sure to take care of your own well-being and seek support if you need it.
Important Additional Tips to Remember
- Be direct and open when talking about suicide.
- Be non-judgmental.
- Offer empathy, not sympathy.
- Never promise to keep suicide a secret.
- Don’t pretend you have all the answers; help them find professional help.
You don’t have to be an expert to help. By recognizing the warning signs, taking them seriously, and offering support, you can make a life-saving difference.
Need help? Here are people ready to listen.
Sources:
- This article was inspired by the resources and guidelines provided by the Suicide Prevention program at Western Michigan University
- Information on warning signs was obtained from the National Institute of Mental Health
- Guidance on supporting someone you’re worried about was sourced from the Samaritans
Photo by PRIYANSHU Kumar on Unsplash
DISCLAIMER
This article provides general information and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
