If someone has spoken of their feelings of hopelessness about the future or misery, they see you as someone who they can trust. They may feel that you can help them. It may feel a big responsibility; don’t panic; there is simple help that can support you. You don’t have to deal with it on your own.
| • | Try to act as you would always do. Just being calm, sympathetic and genuinely concerned is the right thing to do. There are no right or wrong words. | |
| • | Try not to give advice, put their world right or argue. They have a unique angle of their problems, you may see them differently. How they feel right now is the important point. | |
| • | Keep listening; hear what they have to say; ask questions that encourage them to talk. | |
| • | Don’t worry about silences, being there with them is good. | |
| • | Encourage them to tell you more especially if they are saying things like… | |
| "I can’t take this anymore…." "I just want to die…." "I want to sleep forever…." "I just feel so low…." "There’s no point any more…. I don’t have a future…" |
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| • | Ask them calmly and quietly whether they are thinking about suicide. You won’t be putting the idea in their head. Ask them how they are planning it, when and where. Having a plan often means they are serious about the idea. | |
| • | Listen sympathetically. Don’t judge them. | |
| • |
Make clear that you think they need professional advice. Make a deal with them about who they might see. Ask them to agree to talk to you after they have seen them. They may feel less anxious about getting help if you suggest to accompany them. Below are places where you can find help |
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| The Samaritans | 08457 909090 | |
| Family Doctor | ||
| Hospital Accident and Emergency Department | ||
| SHARE | 0800 181 033 | |
| School Nurse or College Counsellor | ||
| Community Mental Health Team | 01208 251300 | |
| The Out of Hours Mental Health Service | 0800 587 3377 |
You don’t have to solve people’s problems - you can point them in the direction of help. Someone talking about suicide should always be taken seriously.
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