When a friend or loved one expresses suicidal intent, oftentimes we don’t know what to do. It’s important to take every threat seriously and understand what your friend or loved one may be feeling. They may have a genuine belief that they have become a burden to those around them. They may have a strong sense of isolation and hopelessness. Additionally, they may have the ability or the means to end their life.
Suicidal intent might sound like:
Suicidal intent might look like:
• “I feel like a burden”
• Sudden, increased social isolation
• “I have nothing to live for”
• Giving away material possessions and pets
• “I’d be better off dead”
How to respond to a threat of suicide: 1. Take the threat seriously.
• Dramatic shifts in mood or behavior
2. Validate the persons fears and emotions. “You must be feeling very scared, please let me help you.”
• Engaging in risky behavior or increased substance use • Possessing lethal means (medications, weapons, tools)
3. Confirm their plan to end their life. “I want to understand what you’re saying...”
• A preoccupation with death or dying
4. Call emergency support and stay with the person until help arrives.
• Saying goodbye
The core instinct of all living things is to live. Those contemplating suicide may have such a significant imbalance that their most basic and core drive is no longer functioning. To them, suicide is not a selfish option, as their brain chemistry may lead them to believe the world would be much better off without them in it.
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