Thread by @AVONHMO

One of the scariest experiences a person can have is hearing a loved one say they want to die. While it can be tempting to dismiss it as being attention-seeking, it's important to take them seriously.

Here's how to really help.

#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

1. Decide if the risk is imminent

If your friend is at risk of attempting suicide soon, call for help immediately. Imminent danger includes a person in possession of a weapon, pills, or other means to follow through with suicide.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

1b. If possible, don't leave them alone and do your best to remove any possible means they can use to hurt themselves.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

1c. If, on the other hand, you believe the threat is serious, but not imminent, it's still important to act, but you may take the time to show support, listen, and encourage them to seek professional help.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

2. Show support

There are a number of different things you can do to be a supportive and empathetic friend. The key is to avoid being judgmental or dismissive of what your friend is feeling.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

3. Speak From the Heart

Research has shown that acknowledging what people are experiencing can help them pull through. Show that you care by talking to them, holding them while they cry, or whatever else is necessary.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

4. Listen

A suicidal person usually is carrying around some burden that they feel they just can't handle anymore. Offer to listen as they vent their feelings of despair, anger, and loneliness. Sometimes this is enough to lighten the load.

#AvonsPracticalTips

5. Validate & Show Openness

Be sympathetic, non-judgmental, patient, calm, and accepting. When you do this, it's likely that the person will pick up on your attitude and begin to mirror it for themselves.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

6. Confirm Suicidal Thoughts

Don't be afraid to ask, "Are you having thoughts of suicide?" Studies show that asking at-risk loved ones if they are thinking about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts. You are not putting ideas in their head by asking.
#AvonsPracticalTips

6b. Get the Facts

If the answer is yes, follow up with these three questions:

- Have you thought about how you would do it?
- Do you have what you need to carry out your plan?
- Do you know when you will do it?
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

6c. Fortunately, most people will either say that they have no definite plans or that they don't have the nerve to do it themselves. Although this is still a serious situation, you know that they are probably not in imminent danger of hurting themselves.

#AvonsPracticalTips

6d. However, if the answers they give you lead you to believe they are in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call for help. Your friend may tell you that you are betraying them but you may permanently lose their friendship if you don't act.
#AvonsPracticalTips

7. Keep Them Talking

Talking will allow them to reduce the emotional burden they are carrying and give them time to calm down. The longer you keep them talking, the more you can take the edge off their desperation.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

8. Avoid Trying to Solve the Problem On Your Own

Try not to offer quick solutions or belittle the person's feelings. How big they perceive the problem to be and how much they are hurting over it is what counts. Rational arguments do little good here.
#AvonsPracticalTips

9. Take Care of Yourself

Dealing with a suicide threat is very stressful. Be sure to care for yourself as well and seek assistance to process and decompress afterwards. Talk to a trusted friend, a therapist, your doctor, etc.

#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

When to Seek Help

If the person has already started a suicide attempt, call for help immediately. If they are still conscious, get what information you can about what substances they have ingested, how long ago they took them, etc.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

If you are in a situation, such as an online friendship, where you know very little about the person, encourage them to reach out for help or sound an alarm (you can reach out to @MentallyAwareNG).

#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Supporting loved one experiencing suicidal thoughts can be scary and taxing. Do your best to provide support and get help. If, in spite of your attempts to help, your loved one still attempts suicide, do not blame yourself.

#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Remind yourself that you did the best you could with the information you had and seek help for yourself such as grief counselling.

#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldSuicidePreventionDay