One of the closest people to you claimed to want to and will commit suicide in the near future? If so, the wisest emergency step you can take is to contact the nearest police or emergency services. If the situation is not too urgent and threatens his safety, make sure you stay with him, never leave him alone, and always listen carefully to his complaints. Preventing someone from committing suicide is actually not as easy as turning the palm of the hand. Therefore, make sure you know when it is time to contact a mental health professional, police or emergency services personnel to provide the most appropriate treatment.
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Method 1 of 3: Preventing Suicide
Step 1. Call emergency services immediately if one of your loved ones admits to suicidal
Remember, you need people who can provide immediate response and emergency assistance. If he forbids you to contact anyone, try asking someone else to help you do so. If your friend is standing on the edge of a bridge and is about to jump, wield a gun, or threaten to end his life, call the police immediately. Never try to tackle everything alone because you won't be able to.
- Immediately tell the problem to a mental health professional such as a therapist or counselor.
- If he begs you not to call the police, try calling the nearest hospital or emergency services on 119.
Step 2. Ask him directly if he is contemplating suicide
Don't worry, you're not putting those thoughts into his head. Today, suicide is no longer something foreign and is often reported by the media. In other words, simply offending him will not trigger your friend's desire to end his life. Make sure you ask questions clearly, straightforwardly, and openly.
Ask if he has a specific suicide plan. Did the thought just arise or had it been planned for a long time? If he's been planning it for a long time, make sure you don't leave him alone for any reason
Step 3. Listen to him instead of trying to solve the problem
The most important thing you can do to prevent someone from committing suicide is to listen carefully. Remember, you don't have the ability or knowledge to "recover" someone who is suicidal. Therefore, do not try to do it. Instead, provide your ear to listen to his complaints, suicidal ideation, and other issues weighing on him. After that, ask simple, empathetic questions like, "What's wrong?" "Why do you think that?" "How long have you been wanting to kill yourself?" "Tell me what's on your mind."
- Don't argue with him or try to convince him not to kill himself. Your job is simply to listen to him and validate his concerns.
- Never say, "This colorful life of yours doesn't deserve to be ended." Remember, a person who is suicidal has decided that his life “deserves” to end. By saying that, you are actually strengthening his will.
Step 4. Don't leave him alone
In fact, people who are suicidal should not be left alone, no matter how resentful or aggressive they may be. If you can't be around him, at least find someone who can keep him company. Remember, now is not the time to worry about his opinion. Trust me, your continued presence will keep him from taking such drastic and dangerous actions, and he'll be sure to thank you one day.
Step 5. Show him sincerity and empathy
Most likely, suicide is the biggest and most painful decision in a person's life. That's why your friend doesn't want to hear comments like “the situation will definitely improve” or “your decision will definitely hurt your family”. Instead, he wants to hear that you will always be there for him. Therefore, show that you know how difficult the situation is for him, and that you will always be there to help him if needed. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't have an answer to his anxiety, but make sure that you will become a reliable friend. Remember, your job is to listen and be his friend, not "try to get him back."
Step 6. Recognize that you are not responsible for someone's suicide decision
Worst case scenario, you will feel guilty or fail if the person closest to you actually makes his wish come true. In other words, you may find yourself blaming yourself for not being able to stop it. Whenever these thoughts arise, always remember that suicide is a personal decision; if someone decides to commit suicide, there's really almost nothing you can do to stop it. Remember, there are many factors behind this decision, and you are not one of the triggers.
Method 2 of 3: Helping Someone Cope With Suicide
Step 1. Ask if he or she is thinking (or has ever thought about) committing suicide
Don't worry, asking him is not the same as implanting those thoughts in his mind! If someone is showing signs of suicidal ideation, communicate the concern to him or her immediately. State things clearly and clearly how likely you are to hurt yourself. Remember, you have to have open communication with him, no matter how difficult it is. Some of the questions you can ask are:
- "Have you ever thought about hurting yourself?"
- "In what way would you do it?"
- "Are you planning to kill yourself?"
Step 2. Consult a health professional
Trust me, you won't be able to – and shouldn't be – carrying that burden alone. Even if your friend asks you to promise not to tell anyone about the problem, know that it's your responsibility to break that promise and share the problem with someone else. The other person may be a counselor, emergency services worker, or other trusted adult. In addition, you also need to compile a list of experts or other people who can help your friend in a more professional manner.
Call the emergency services on the number 119 provided by the Ministry of Health to ask for recommendations on the most appropriate strategy to help those closest to those who are suicidal
Step 3. Offer several options to help her with therapy
Ask him to call a suicide hotline, see a counselor/therapist, or join an appropriate support group. Help her understand that there is no negative stigma attached to the word “therapy” so she shouldn't be ashamed to seek the help she needs. Remember, make sure he talks to the right person, such as a mental health professional who has been trained to handle such situations.
Offer to help her with therapy. Accompany him when he meets with his therapist, help him do his research, and drop him off and/or pick him up from the therapist's office
Step 4. Keep in touch with him
Encourage him to open up to you. Ask him how he is, how his condition is progressing, and listen to him carefully. Give him the opportunity to tell the things that are weighing on his mind and never feel obliged to give advice let alone blame him. Just let the communication between the two of you flow casually.
Let him express himself in any way that makes him comfortable. Don't judge him or comment on his wishes. In other words, simply prevent him from hurting himself
Step 5. Stay with him if you are concerned about his safety
If he answers the question, "How do you think you're going to do it?", never leave his side. If he had even devised a plan, actually the suicidal thoughts had penetrated too deep into his darkest mind and for that, he needed the endless support of those closest to him. If you absolutely have to leave him, and if he doesn't look like he's going to be making a move anytime soon, at least ask him to chat with someone before you leave (even if it's just over the phone).
This is another reason why you should share your concerns with others. Trust me, a solid support system is the best medicine to prevent unwanted things from happening
Step 6. Get rid of dangerous things from his house
Get rid of any weapons, knives, or drugs prescribed by the doctor. Also keep him away from alcohol and other over-the-counter drugs that can negatively affect his behavior someday. Make a list of the names of people who can help you keep an eye on them and make sure they're not in close proximity to dangerous objects.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding Suicide Symptoms
Step 1. Call emergency services immediately if one of your loved ones claims to be suicidal or self-harming
Keep doing it even if the person asks you to "keep the goal a secret" or "not to share the confession with anyone
You can call the 119 emergency services provided by the Ministry of Health to accommodate the complaints of people who want to commit suicide. Ask your friend to do counseling on that number and tell the problem to professionals who can help him in the right way
Step 2. Watch for drastic behavior changes
Once suicidal thoughts enter a person's mind, generally the person's personality will change drastically and intensely. Often the changes are negative, for example the person appears to be isolating himself from others, is depressed, or even aggressive. However, there are also people who actually appear calmer and happier after months of lack of energy and drastic mood disturbances. Whichever way it leads, make sure you watch out for drastic changes in behavior, mood, and personality.
Step 3. Listen to statements that reflect the problem
People who have suicidal thoughts will usually "ask for help" to friends and/or relatives through implicit statements that imply their intentions and sadness. Some statements that you should be aware of are:
- "It seems life would be better if I wasn't around," "Your life would be better without me."
- "Life is meaningless," "I feel like I'm wasting my time."
- "I feel trapped," "I can't see a way out."
- Tells about the pain that never subsides and makes him suffer.
- Discuss ways that a person can die or commit suicide.
- Calls you to say "goodbye" or offer advice, especially if "something happened to me."
Step 4. Prevent the person from doing something reckless because he wants to hurt himself
Some people who are suicidal generally don't hesitate to do things that are very risky, especially because they believe that their life is no longer worth it. For example, they will not hesitate to run red lights, consume alcohol and drugs to excess, and engage in dangerous activities for no reason. While you're with him, try recommending activities and topics for conversation that are more casual and safe.
Substance dependence, whether in the form of alcohol or drugs, is a leading indicator of a person's depressive disorder or suicidal ideation. If someone has a sudden urge to get drunk every night, make sure you keep an eye on them
Step 5. Approach a friend who has experienced a significant change in behavior
If previously your friend was a friendly and friendly person but has recently been seen withdrawing from his surroundings, be wary. You should also be wary if the person suddenly seems disinterested in things that were once their hobbies. These symptoms are actually the main indicators of a person's suicidal ideation. People who are suicidal will generally isolate themselves because they feel they are not worthy to take up other people's time. If a friend of yours suddenly disappears for no apparent reason, try to contact them. Find out why it disappeared and make sure it's nothing serious for you to worry about.
If you're not sure what to do, or if you're not sure your friend is telling the truth, try interacting with them as often as possible. The more time the two of you spend together, the easier it will be for you to determine when it's time to ask for expert help
Step 6. Realize if someone seems to be planning their death
Be wary of those closest to you starting to draft or amend their wills, giving away valuables to others, and saying farewells that sound intense and serious. Most likely, they have prepared themselves to leave the people closest to them forever. Therefore, if there are people closest to you who do these things even though they are still physically fit, immediately contact the nearest emergency service.
Step 7. Recognize that people who are suicidal are usually very active in finding ways to harm themselves
If he's caught browsing the internet for ways to self-harm, or suddenly buys a weapon like a gun, watch out! Buying a knife or other weapon for no apparent reason or constantly seeking information about a suicide death are real indicators of a person's suicidal intent. If you become aware of the situation, consider calling the nearest emergency services immediately.
Step 8. Identify the risk factors that may be behind a person's suicidal ideation
In fact, the desire to commit suicide more easily infiltrates the minds of people who have experienced negative turmoil during their lives. Knowing some of the risk factors below can help you keep your friend safe and seek the help they need.
- Previously tried to commit suicide.
- Have a history of mental disorders, substance dependence, and/or suicide.
- Have a history of physical and/or sexual violence, or have experienced severe violence.
- Have a mental disorder and/or chronic illness, including pain that doesn't go away.
- Being in prison or feeling imprisoned.
- Having close or intense interactions with other suicide victims.
