CCChat-Magazine 29 2 - Flipbook - Page 19
What if someone you
know is suicidal?
You don't need to be a medical professional to
be able to reach out and connect.
It can be really scary to hear that
someone you know, someone you love
is feeling suicidal but you don't need to
be a medical professional to be able to
reach out and connect with them, and
it could save a life.
Doing something together
When should I ask?
What if you're online?
Choose a time and place where you can
talk without getting interrupted. It
might take a long time to have this
conversation and your friend or loved
one needs to know you have time to
listen. Both of you need to be calm to
have the conversation, so make sure
the time is right for you too.
If someone posts a comment that
makes it sound like they’re thinking
about suicide, contact them directly by
sending them a private message asking
if they are okay.
Where should we talk?
Somewhere quiet, where it's easy to
talk. If there's domestic abuse, they
may not feel safe talking at their home.
So suggest a walk or a drive. Talking
side by side (whether walking or
driving) can also make it easier to talk
about suicide, as it can take out the
intensity of what is going on.
It can be easier to talk to when you’re
doing something like watching TV,
cooking dinner, playing cards or a
game, doing the washing-up together.
Be straight.
Asking whether someone is thinking
about suicide won’t ‘put ideas in their
head’. Your friend or loved one will
probably feel relieved at being heard
and understood.
Making The Invisible Visible