Continued from last Monday
4. Encourage them to get help for their depression: Even though some
people’s suicides may sometimes seem to come out of the blue, it’s
quite likely that they had been depressed for a very long time.
Getting prompt professional assistance at the first signs of
depression is a very important step in preventing suicide.
Working to take away the stigma of depression and encouraging people
who are hurting to get the help that they need right away can go a
long way in saving lives because the problem is dealt with before it
gets too bad.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask about their suicidal feelings: While you may
be afraid to bring up the topic of suicide for fear of giving them
ideas, the fact is that those thoughts and feelings are there
regardless of what you might say. What you are really doing by
bringing the topic up is giving them an opportunity to open up to you
and allow you help them.
6. If they are in danger, don’t leave them alone: If they seem to be
in danger of hurting themselves, do not leave them alone. Take steps
to get them away from any means that they could use to hurt
themselves, such as weapons or pills.
7. Encourage them to see mental health professional: It may take some
patience and persistence, but urge them to make an appointment with a
mental health professional. Once they have made the appointment,
continue to maintain contact in order to encourage them to follow
through with appointments and treatment plans.
8. Know that secrets can kill: If the person asks you to not tell
anyone, be aware that you may have to break your promise in order to
help him. Having him alive but angry with you is preferable to keeping
a promise that leads to him taking his life.
Concluded
