2017 World Suicide Prevention Day:
“Take a minute, change a life.”
No one has to have all the answers
People are often reluctant to intervene, even if they are quite concerned about someone. There are many reasons for this, not least that they fear they will not know what to say. It is important to remember, however, that there is no hard and fast formula. Individuals who have come through an episode of severe suicidal thinking often say that they were not looking for specific advice, but that compassion and empathy from others helped to turn things around for them and point them towards recovery.
Another factor that deters people from starting the conversation is that they worry that they may make the situation worse. Again, this hesitation is understandable; broaching the topic of suicide is difficult and there is a myth that talking about suicide with someone can put the idea into their head or trigger the act.
The evidence suggests that this is not the case. Being caring and listening with a nonjudgmental ear is far more likely to reduce distress than exacerbate it.
Resources are available
There are various well-established resources that are designed to equip people to communicate effectively with those who might be vulnerable to suicide such as Mental Health First Aid, SafeTALK and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). These workshops are premised on the idea that many people know what to do if they encounter someone who has had a physical health emergency, like a heart but feel out of their depth if they are faced with someone experiencing a mental or emotional crisis. These workshops teach a range of skills, including how to provide initial support to someone in these circumstances. Take a look at wrspc.ca for more information. Additionally, our community has free suicide bereavement groups, a crisis respite home, many counselling services and the 24/7 line, 1-844-437-3247.
Think how you can reach out to take a minute and change a life.