One of the scariest moments for any parent, guardian or friend is knowing how to respond when a someone voices (or writes) that they want to die or are fantasizing about suicide. Or when you notice that they're harming themselves, and you had no idea they were struggling. Or when someone else tells you that your child is cutting or having thoughts of harming others, and you had no idea. Doesn't matter how young or old the child is...
It's terrifying.
It is equally terrifying for the person sharing. How will they respond? Will they take it seriously? Will it be brushed off?
Knowing to what extent to respond, is another question mark for many people and a simple place to start is to - believe them.
Thank the person for trusting you with that information, and let them know you're there to listen. Responding with empathy and willingness to know their pain. "It must hurt to feel that way, I'm here for you."
Consider empathizing with how terrible, scary, or hard it must be to hold onto those thoughts, or deal with that feeling throughout the day.
"It must be heavy to carry those thoughts."
As families and friends, being open to hear others dark thoughts is as important as being present for the good times. Though it's okay to say: "I have no idea how to respond well, but I'm here."
That's a place to start.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Consider checking in with the people who are near and dear to you. Let them know you're here to listen.
Consider checking in on those in your periphery, at the office, in your clubs, or circles - and letting them know you're there to listen. It's a place to start.
For anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, reach out to:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Call or text 988
Colorado Crisis Line 1-844-493-8255
Text TALK to 38255
Call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
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