When someone you care about is battling thoughts of suicide, you may feel overwhelmed, terrifed, and incredibly upsetting. The desire to protect them is natural, but knowing how to do so effectively requires understanding, compassion, and practical strategies.
Our team at Palo Alto Mind Body understands these challenges. Here, we explore ways for you to support and protect a loved one who has experienced suicidal ideation.
Understanding mental health and suicide is the first step in supporting a loved one. Learn about the warning signs of suicide, which can include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, withdrawing from others, and sudden mood swings. The more you know about the risk factors and signs, the better equipped you’ll be to offer support.
Create an environment in which your loved one feels safe discussing their feelings. Approach conversations with empathy, without judgment or assumptions.
Ask a direct question such as, "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" It can provide them with the relief of sharing their struggles. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and thoughts openly.
A safety plan is a must for protecting someone who’s had suicidal thoughts. Work with your loved one to help them identify warning signs, list coping strategies, and know who to contact in a crisis.
Make sure they have emergency numbers readily available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (dial 988) or local crisis centers. Keep potentially harmful objects, such as firearms or medications, locked away and out of reach.
Though your support is valuable, professional medical assistance is necessary for those who struggle with suicidal thoughts. Most importantly, if someone is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. Inpatient care can be helpful to “jumpstart” treatment and make progress quickly in a safe, monitored environment. It’s impossible for you to watch a loved one 24/7 on your own, but the hospital has experience doing so.
For less acute cases, there are a number of outpatient treatments that can help, ranging from psychotherapy to medications to interventional psychiatry treatments such as ketamine and S-ketamine, which can rapidly decrease–or even resolve–suicidal thoughts, sometimes in as few as one or two treatments. In fact, S-ketamine (phoneticized as "esketamine" and marketed under the brand name Spravato™) is FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of suicidal ideation or behavior in people with major depressive disorder. In addition to this, Spravato is also FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression.
Recovery from suicidal thoughts takes time, patience, and continuing support. Don’t be surprised if they have good days and bad days. That’s why it’s so important to be there for them consistently.
Encourage them to engage in activities that bring them joy, provide a sense of purpose, and help them feel connected to others.
Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts can be emotionally draining for you. It’s important to take care of your mental health, seek support when needed, and ensure you have a network of people with whom you can talk about your experiences. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so maintaining your well-being will help you continue to support your loved one effectively.
Our team is always here to provide support. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Palo Alto Mind Body in Palo Alto, California, today. Call 650-681-2900, or use our online booking feature now.
