{"id":4547,"date":"2024-09-10T12:21:56","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T17:21:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/?p=4547"},"modified":"2024-10-09T13:18:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T18:18:00","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-who-is-suicidal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/healthier-living\/helping-a-loved-one-who-is-suicidal\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping a Loved One Who is Suicidal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If a friend or family member shows signs of suicidal tendencies, knowing how to talk to them can make a significant difference in outcomes. The key to successfully intervening is to approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. To effectively probe deeper into their feelings and encourage them to open up, express your concern directly and compassionately. To start, you might say, \u201cI\u2019ve noticed you\u2019ve been really down lately, and I\u2019m worried about you. How are you feeling?\u201d Taking this approach can help open the door for them to share their emotions honestly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s vital to take action when you sense someone is in distress. It\u2019s a myth that those who are suicidal don\u2019t seek help\u2014but 54% of individuals who have died by suicide had never been evaluated for a mental health disorder. Many reach out to friends and family before contacting a mental health professional. Treat this situation as an emergency because it is a matter of life and death. After initiating the conversation, choose the appropriate intervention method:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 1: Ensure they see a therapist.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your friend or loved one has expressed suicidal thoughts in the past but seems to be doing better, ensure they talk to a therapist. If they are depressed but don\u2019t currently have suicidal thoughts, encourage them to make an appointment as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 2: Seek immediate help.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you feel unsure about the person\u2019s immediate safety and cannot create a solid safety plan with them, get them to a hospital immediately. If the person refuses help and you believe they are at immediate risk, call 911 to transport by ambulance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are a child or teenager, tell an adult (parent, teacher, school counselor, therapist, doctor, church leader, family friend) about your concern. Even if your friend asks you not to tell anyone, it\u2019s better to play it safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What shouldn\u2019t I do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Avoid the following, as they may harm your friend and worsen the situation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • \u201cYour life isn\u2019t that bad!\u201d Their pain is real\u2014dismissing it can make them feel judged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • \u201cYou don\u2019t really want to die\u2026\u201d Take their words seriously and make them feel safe to open up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • \u201cYou have too much to live for.\u201d This undermines their feelings. They may not see their reasons to live.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • \u201cEverybody\u2019s got their problems.\u201d This can increase their sense of shame and isolation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Listening with empathy and leading someone to appropriate resources and professional help can provide the immediate support they need. Your intervention could be a crucial step in helping save a life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    #StopSuicide <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    This article is brought to you by Lucet. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City partners with Lucet to optimize our members\u2019 access to behavioral health services. For more information call the behavioral health number on your member ID card or login to your member portal at MyBlueKC.com. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1. If you are experiencing a behavioral health emergency call or text, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.<\/em><\/p>\n\r\n\t\t\t

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