Knowing what to say or how to talk to a suicidal person can feel daunting, especially when someone shares with you that they are so discouraged. When a depressed or suicidal person shares that they are thinking about suicide, it can be uncomfortable or confusing if you don’t know how to respond or what to say. While you may feel uncomfortable, there are ways that you can help. No matter whether these comments are passive or immediate, they should always be taken seriously.
What do I Say When Someone is Talking about Suicide?
Below you’ll see a preview of the document, with a link below for the full pdf. Learn about suicide warning signs, questions to ask, and empathetic statements to share with someone with thoughts of suicide.
Please include attribution to https://www.bridgehopefamilytherapy.com/ with this image and document.
What to Say When Someone is Talking About Suicide_BridgeHope Family Therapy_8.28.24
What to Say When Someone is Talking About Suicide_BridgeHope Family Therapy_8.28.24
EMDR for Depression
Perhaps you know someone who is trying to navigate the ups and downs of depression. You’re heard their comments about their loneliness, discouragement, or low self-esteem. You see how their emotions crash against you and you see their exhaustion. In the past, you may not have known what to say when they share their thoughts of not wanting to be around, or on earth anymore. You may have felt fearful or confused. While you use this handout, as well as the information from the previous post – is path warm – you may feel more confident in your interactions.
Fortunately, in addition to your support, there are therapeutic solutions that have shown to be effective in treating depression and suicidal thoughts. EMDR is an evidence-based practice that has decades of research supporting its effectiveness with not only depression, but other mental health conditions. EMDR is a technique that I have been trained in and regularly use.
If you’re looking for solutions beyond education and support, please share my information as a resource to the person you are wondering about how to help.
