HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
WHAT ARE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS?
Suicidal thoughts are characterized by overwhelming feelings of pain and ideas about ending one’s life. These feelings can be brief or deeply planned, often coming from sadness, loneliness, or hopelessness. They’re a sign of deep struggle and call for care, kindness, and immediate support from loved ones or professionals. Suicidal thoughts can emerge from a complex interplay of factors. Common causes include:
- Life stressors ( Bullying, death of a loved one etc)
- Mental health disorders ( Depression, anxiety, panic, post-traumatic stress etc)
- Chronic illness
- Drug abuse
WAYS TO HELP SOMEONE WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS:
Helping someone with suicidal thoughts can be incredibly challenging. The main aspect of supporting someone is compassion. Remaining calm and listening without being judgmental is extremely important. It is not an easy task to break the stigma surrounding mental health and showing someone the awareness of healing and letting go. If you’re concerned about someone with suicidal thoughts, here are some key steps you can take:
1. LISTEN AND VALIDATE THEIR FEELINGS:
Be Present: Let them know you're there to support by being attentive and non-judgmental while listening.
Validate Their Emotions: Express that their feelings are understandable, even if you don't fully comprehend them. Say things like, “It sounds like you’re going through an incredibly difficult time,” or “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you.”
2. ASSESS THE IMMEDIATE RISK:
Ask Directly: It may feel uncomfortable, but asking directly about suicidal thoughts can be life-saving. Questions like, “Are you thinking about harming yourself?” or “Do you have a plan to hurt yourself?” can help you understand their level of risk.
Know the Warning Signs: Pay attention to any statements or behaviors that might indicate an immediate risk. These include:
- Talking about wanting to die or feeling like they don’t want to live anymore.
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye.
- Engaging in risky behaviors or withdrawing from all social contact.
3. ENCOURAGE THEM TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP:
Suggest Speaking to a Professional: Encourage them to talk to a mental health professional (a therapist, counselor, or a psychiatrist). You can offer to help them find someone, make an appointment, or even accompany them to a therapy session. Cognitive behavioral therapy, whether conducted in-person or online, shows promising results.
4. KEEP THEM SAFE:
Remove Access to Lethal Means: Try to ensure that they don’t have access to firearms, sharp objects, medications, or anything else they might use to harm themselves.
Stay with Them: If you believe they are in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone. Stay with them until help arrives or till they are safe in the care of professionals.
5. PROVIDE ONGOING SUPPORT:
Offer Practical Help: Offer assistance with everyday tasks that might feel overwhelming, like going to appointments, preparing meals, or just spending time with them to combat isolation.
Encourage Self-Care: Help them find small ways to practice self-care, even when it feels hard. This could include things like getting outside for a walk, meditation, eating healthy or staying connected with friends or family.
6. ENCOURAGE BUILDING A SUPPORT SYSTEM:
Provide support network: Help them reconnect with friends and family. Isolation can deepen feelings of hopelessness, so it’s important to encourage them to stay connected, even if it's just in small ways.
Support Groups: Suggesting a support group, either in person or online, may help them feel less isolated by connecting with others who understand what they’re going through.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
Helping someone with suicidal thoughts requires empathy, patience, and resilience. By being emotionally intelligent, asking direct but compassionate questions, encouraging professional help, and creating a safety plan, you can provide meaningful support and a sense of hope to someone in crisis. Maintaining regular contact reminds them that they are not alone. Witnessing another’s pain can lead to feelings of helplessness, worry, or compassion fatigue. Taking care of your own well-being along the way is equally important and ensures consistent, compassionate support for the one in need.
The 2025 study examines the patterns and behaviors of individuals who are at a higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts but are often unrecognized. As expected, participants found that professionals were more helpful than personal connections. This may be because professionals are better equipped to understand, respond to, and provide resources for those grappling with suicidal thoughts. In contrast, personal connections may lack this expertise, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships can render such disclosures less beneficial.
While helping someone can be challenging, it is also profoundly rewarding. Your compassionate actions can remind them of the possibility of healing and hope, even in their darkest moments, ultimately making a life-saving difference in their journey.
RESOURCES:
1- 5 action steps to help someone having thoughts of suicide. (n.d.-b). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/5-action-steps-to-help-someone-having-thoughts-of-suicide
2- 5 Steps to Helping Someone with Suicidal Thoughts. (n.d.). Columbia Basin Health Association.
https://www.cbha.org/about-us/cbha-blog/2020/september/5-steps-to-helping-someone-with-suicidal-thought/
3- How to Support Someone with Suicidal Thoughts. (n.d.-b). How to Support Someone With Suicidal Thoughts.
https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/carers-hub/getting-help-for-someone-in-crisis/suicidal-thoughts-how-to-support-someone/
4-Rodriguez TR, Bandel SL, Daruwala SE, Anestis MD, Anestis JC. Predictors and patterns of suicidal ideation disclosures among American adults. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2025 Feb;55(1):e13126. doi: 10.1111/sltb.13126. Epub 2024 Sep 2. PMID: 39221660; PMCID: PMC11702848.
Written By:
Rumsha Abdul Aziz, MS Psychology
On November 23, 2024
