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Helping Someone who is Suicidal

posted January 3, 2009 - 1:15am
Helping Someone who is Suicidal

There are some people threaten to commit suicide, in order to get attention or are hurt, frustrated and need someone to hear them. Some people are suffering from sever emotional problems and have not been taking their medication regularly or have stopped taking it altogether. Some people are past this point and are serious about hurting themselves.

Assess the Extent of the Situation: The first thing I do is, ask the person, if they are on any medication at the time. This question will determine if the person is dealing with chronic mental issues or really intends to commit suicide. The next thing to do is, determine if the person is actually suicidal. Find out if the person taken pills or poison or if they have a gun or have they written a suicide note.

Establish Rapport: As you are speaking with the person, try to establish a rapport with them. Once they feel comfortable with you, causally get there personal information, such as name, address a family friend, etc. You want this information because, you may have to call the police later.

Be a Good Listener: A suicidal person may be emotional. Let them vent! They may holler, sound very angry or may be crying. This is a volatile situation and you do not want to make the situation worse, by telling them to calm down. Allow them to talk as much as they want. As they are talking, listen for the causes, which pushed them to this point. Ask leading questions that will help bring out this information.

Show True Concern: When there is a space for you to speak, usually after the person has poured their heart out and have quieted down some. Let the individual know that you are there for them and are willing to listen to what they are saying. I always let them know that if no one cares for them, that God loves them and that I love them. If they are angry with God, do not try to convince them that should not be. I usually tell them that I have been where they are and that I understand. Do not minimize how they feel.

Give them Hope: Let them know that suicide is not the answer, and that there is hope, regardless of how hopeless they feel. After they have somewhat calmed down, I ask, if I can pray for them. If they consent, I pray. Do not underestimate the power of prayer. If you have never prayed aloud in your life offer a small prayer in their behalf. Prayer is simply talking to God!

Address their Spiritual Condition: If they do not know the Lord, ask them if they would like to ask Jesus into their lives. God can do so much for us, if we allow Him to come into our lives. This is an act of surrender. It is telling God, I cannot do this on my own. Man has failed me, now; I need the help of God.

Pray Addresses a Spiritual Void: The bible says that a broken and a contrite spirit He will not despise. There are times when I have prayed with a suicidal person and minutes later, they have told me they felt better as thought something had lifted of them. I always give them phone number of a counselor or place where they can continue to get help and encouragement. I also contact that resource to give them the details of the situation and let them know to expect their call.

Do what you have to do: If after speaking to the person they are still threatening to commit suicide, you have to call the authorities. Another person privy can make this call to what is taking place, while you keep the person on the phone until the police arrive. Ask the person to let you speak with the officers and explain to them what has taken place. The person will be taken to the hospital for observation and will receive help.

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