September is recognized as National Suicide Awareness Month. According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, individuals feel less depressed, less suicidal, and less overwhelmed when they can speak to someone who listens without judgement. Let this month be a reminder to talk with loved ones and offer a listening ear or word of encouragement.
This month, make it a priority to raise awareness and get involved with suicide prevention. Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way. It’s not always easy to start a conversation or keep it going when an individual responds by saying they are not doing well. Continue reading for tips on how to respond, how to create a safe and comfortable environment and how to build confidence to navigate these situations.
The R U OK? Campaign aims to ‘inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with those in their social circles and lend support when they are struggling with life’. They outline three steps to prepare individuals for difficult conversations with their loved ones. These steps include ‘Am I Ready?’ , ‘Am I Prepared?’ , ‘Have I Picked my Moment?’.
Am I Ready? It’s important to be mentally prepared for a conversation that could involve negative thoughts or serious problems. Consider evaluating personal mental health and moving forward with a difficult conversation only after establishing a positive headspace. Incorporate personal metal health check-ins to assess for burnout, depression, anxiety, or other mental health struggles. Always be willing to genuinely listen and offer support.
Have I Picked My Moment? Choose the right moment to encourage the conversation by being mindful of an appropriate location that offers privacy. Be sure to leave enough time to allow the person to feel heard. If possible, try to choose a moment where that individual won’t be busy or distracted.
Encourage Action If appropriate, find actions that the individual can do to work through their struggles. Ask how they would best feel supported or what they have done to navigate similar situations. Some conversations are too big for friends and family to handle alone. Connect them with professional help if this is the case. Help the individual feel supported and cared for by checking in regularly over time. Foster a genuine friendship and spend time doing fun things. Staying in touch can make a big difference. Click to learn more about the R U OK? Campaign >
