How To Help And Support Someone Who Attempted Suicide

The aftermath of a suicide attempt can be a tumultuous period filled with fear, confusion, and intense emotions for both the individual and their loved ones. Supporting someone who has attempted suicide requires a deep understanding of their emotional and psychological needs, coupled with a compassionate approach. 

While each scenario is different, here are some tips to help and support someone who attempted suicide. 

Immediate Steps to Take After a Suicide Attempt

When someone you care about attempts suicide, knowing how to respond can be challenging and overwhelming. The immediate steps you take are crucial for ensuring their safety and laying the groundwork for their recovery. Here’s a guide on what to do in the critical moments following a suicide attempt.

1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention. The first and most urgent priority is to ensure the individual’s safety. Call emergency services immediately if the attempt is still in progress or the person is in immediate danger.
2. Stay Calm and Composed. It’s essential to remain as calm and composed as possible during a crisis. Your demeanor can significantly influence the person’s emotional state and response. 
3. Contact Emergency Services and Healthcare Professionals. After ensuring the individual’s immediate safety, it’s crucial to involve healthcare professionals who can provide the necessary medical and psychological care.
4. Provide Immediate Emotional Support. While waiting for professional help to arrive, your emotional support is vital. Refrain from making statements that could be perceived as blaming or critical. Instead, focus on expressing your concern and care.

Continue to Provide Emotional Support

Providing emotional support to someone who has attempted suicide is a delicate and essential task. It’s important to approach the situation with compassion, understanding, and patience. Here are some strategies to help you offer the best emotional support to your loved one during this difficult time.

• Listen Attentively: Give your full attention when the person is speaking. Avoid interrupting or rushing the conversation. Nod, maintain eye contact, and use verbal affirmations like “I see” or “I understand” to show you are engaged.
• Acknowledge Their Feelings: Validate their emotions by acknowledging what they are experiencing. Phrases like “It sounds like you’re feeling really overwhelmed” or “I can see this is really hard for you” can help them feel understood.
• Avoid Giving Unsolicited Advice: Instead of offering solutions or advice, focus on listening. Often, the person just needs to feel heard and understood.
• Use Non-Judgmental Language: Avoid phrases that could be interpreted as blaming or shaming. Instead of saying, “Why did you do that?” try, “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way.”
• Respect Their Boundaries: Everyone copes differently. Respect their need for space and privacy, and don’t push them to share more than they are comfortable with.
• Check-In Regularly: Make it a habit to check in with them regularly, even if it’s just to ask how their day is going. Consistent contact can help them feel less isolated.
• Offer Practical Help: Sometimes, practical assistance, like helping with daily tasks or running errands, can alleviate their stress and show your support in tangible ways.
• Respect Their Privacy: While it’s important to be supportive, respecting their privacy is equally important and not pressure them into sharing more than they are willing to.

Create a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment for someone who has attempted suicide is crucial for their recovery and ongoing mental health. A nurturing and safe atmosphere can significantly impact their healing process, fostering a sense of security and belonging. Here’s how to build and maintain a supportive environment.

• Remove Harmful Objects: Keep all medications, sharp objects, and potentially harmful items out of reach. If necessary, implement additional safety measures, such as monitoring systems or safety locks, to provide an added layer of security.
• Establish Regular Check-Ins: Make it a habit to regularly check in on how they’re doing. This could be through daily conversations or scheduled times to discuss their progress and concerns.
• Create a Daily Schedule: Help them establish a daily routine with regular activities such as meals, exercise, hobbies, and rest. A structured day can provide a sense of purpose and predictability.
• Foster Social Connections: Help them reconnect with friends and family members. Social interactions can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
• Promote Physical Activity: Encourage regular exercise, which can help improve mood and reduce stress. Activities like walking, yoga, or any physical activity they enjoy can be beneficial.
• Encourage a Balanced Diet: Support them in maintaining a healthy diet. Nutritional meals can improve physical health and contribute to better mental well-being.
• Support Medication Management: If they are on medication, assist them in managing their prescriptions and ensure they take them as directed by their healthcare provider.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about their condition and treatment options. Being informed can help you provide better support and better understand their needs.

Encourage Professional Help and Therapy

After a suicide attempt, seeking professional help is a crucial step towards recovery and long-term mental health stability. Professional therapy provides the individual with the tools and support to address underlying issues and develop coping strategies.

Professional counseling and therapy are essential components of the recovery process for several reasons:

• Expert Guidance: Mental health professionals are trained to handle complex emotional and psychological issues. They can provide expert guidance tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
• Structured Support: Therapy offers a structured environment where people can explore their feelings and thoughts safely and non-judgmentally.
• Coping Strategies: Therapists can teach effective coping strategies and techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, which are often underlying factors in suicide attempts.
• Prevention of Future Attempts: Regular therapy sessions can help identify warning signs and triggers, reducing the risk of future suicide attempts.

Remember to Take Care of Yourself

Supporting someone who has attempted suicide can be emotionally and physically draining. It’s crucial to recognize this responsibility’s impact on your well-being and take proactive steps to care for yourself. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s necessary to maintain your health and be your best support. Here are strategies to ensure you care for yourself while supporting your loved one.

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, including fear, anger, sadness, and frustration. Acknowledging these feelings rather than suppressing them can help you process and manage them effectively.
• Understand Your Limits: Accept that you have limitations and that it’s okay to seek help. You cannot do everything on your own.
• Join Support Groups: Look for local or online support groups for caregivers of individuals who have attempted suicide. Sharing experiences and learning from others can be incredibly therapeutic.
• Consider Professional Counseling: As your loved one needs professional help, you might benefit from talking to a counselor or therapist. Counseling can provide coping strategies and a safe space to express your feelings.
• Set Boundaries: Clearly define what you can and cannot do. Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout and ensures you have time for your needs.
• Take Breaks: Allow yourself regular breaks from caregiving duties. Use this time to recharge and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
• Stay Informed: Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and effective caregiving strategies. Knowledge can empower you and reduce feelings of helplessness.

Moving Forward with Hope and Support

Supporting someone who has attempted suicide is a profound and challenging journey, but it is also one filled with the potential for healing and growth. By understanding the importance of immediate action, providing emotional support, seeking professional help, creating a supportive environment, and taking care of yourself, you can make a significant difference in the life of your loved one.

At Onyx Behavioral Health, we are committed to providing comprehensive support for individuals and their families dealing with the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Our team of experienced professionals is here to offer guidance, therapy, and resources to help navigate this challenging period.