How can we provide comfort and support to someone who attempted suicide?

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Prince Oyedeji Oyeleke Jayeola
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Re: How can we provide comfort and support to someone who attempted suicide?

Post by Prince Oyedeji Oyeleke Jayeola »

This isn't an easy thing to do as the person involved can misinterpret one intention. I believe thr best thing to do is to just let the person know you genuinely care for them and don't try and control their actions. I think this is applicable to educational systems too.
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Shelby Ayres
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Post by Shelby Ayres »

One thing you definitely don't want to do is treat them differently, or even treat them like they're fragile, it will only make them feel more alienated.
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Post by Cristina Chifane »

It is challenging to provide comfort for somebody attempting to commit suicide. In my opinion, suicidal people need to feel they are not alone. Very often, all you need to do is let them know you are there for them, simply by holding their hand or being the shoulder they can cry on.
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Post by Huini Hellen »

It's critical to acknowledge their feelings and assure them that it's alright to feel the way they do. Avoid rejecting or downplaying their emotions. It is also critical not to criticise or guilt-trip the individual for their effort. Instead, we should concentrate on showing love and compassion. Staying connected and checking in on a regular basis may offer a feeling of support and remind them that they are not alone.
The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way. - Marcus Aurelius
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Huini Hellen
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Post by Huini Hellen »

Amy Luman wrote: 03 Jul 2023, 13:55 I’m really not sure how to do this. I know from experience that providing comfort is very hard to do, especially since those dealing with attempted suicide don’t really want to discuss what has happened. It’s made even more difficult by the fact that reasons for attempted suicide are complicated. I suppose not treating the with kid gloves is a good solution. Many who have done this feel awkward already. The further you get from the attempt, the easier it gets.
I would like to add that showing genuine compassion and being prepared to listen without judgement might help to provide a safe environment for them to speak when they are ready. As time goes by and recovery starts, the feelings of awkwardness may reduce, making it easier to form a supportive relationship. Patience and steadfast support may be invaluable in helping individuals discover hope and resilience as they move ahead from this tough chapter in their life.
The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way. - Marcus Aurelius
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Post by Huini Hellen »

Jessica Cole 3 wrote: 05 Jul 2023, 20:46 Is it possible to create a comforting environment for someone who has attempted suicide? In theory, you'd of course want to make every effort to make them feel loved - but did they not feel loved before? Maybe that would remedy the attempts from those who lacked love, but surely many attempts come from something deeper that can't be comforted away. Not every problem can be solved by smothering with love.

I sometimes think of Robin Williams, who gave so much of his gifts to the world. While I don't know details about his personal life, surely he felt love from his family. However, he had personal demons from doing drugs for a few years - that much I do know. Something like that stays with you, especially if your brain has been chemically altered in some way. How can you possibly comfort someone like that? I don't think there is an answer for this.
Hi Jessica, I would like to add that providing a safe haven for someone who has tried suicide is unquestionably important, but it is also critical to recognise that the underlying causes of their actions are often complicated and diverse. While showing love and concern is important, it is not always enough to address the underlying conditions that lead to thoughts of suicide. Some people may have been neglected or lacking a solid support structure, and showing them love and empathy may be an effective therapy. However, the reasons for suicidal impulses might be significantly more complicated in many circumstances, such as mental health issues, prior traumas, or severe emotional distress. Addressing these underlying problems may need expert assistance, counselling, and time to heal. Compassion and support are important, but love alone cannot fix every situation. To build a more complete and successful strategy for assisting individuals in need, it is critical to foster open dialogue, remove stigma around mental health, and provide access to appropriate resources and mental health services.
The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way. - Marcus Aurelius
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Post by Hubre De Klerk »

I don't think asking questions afterwards is the course to go, although that would feel like it to know how to best help. I think just being there for the person and showing your love and support is the best way to go. Also not giving the person too much alone time as that is usually when the mind goes overboard in the silence, but just being there would also help, I believe. When and if they are ready, they will open up about the why's.
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Post by Zippy Kerubo »

A nice and friendly therapy can real do good t
Such victim
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Post by Jenipher Owino »

Looking up for him... Make sure you give appropriate advises and also take a step to take him to a therapist
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Post by Christopher Sublett »

A person contemplating suicide is definitely a sign that he or she is dealing with a major issue in life. As a friend, I would look for behavioral and personality changes that onset quickly from that person's normal routine. I would show deep concern, empathy, and stay very supportive to getting them professional help to care for their needs for a resolution.
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Post by Abiodunakinola »

I think the best way is for me to ask them what made them decide to commit suicide. After that, I comfort them and support them if it's finances problem. I also support them in prayer.
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Post by Aditii Mehta »

I think talking about that suicide attempt again and again will make them uneasy. I would rather behave as like I do with anyone else. Although if I'll feel that they need help or a listener I'll be there.
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Post by Thera reads »

This is a tough one but I know that it is wrong to start asking questions at that point. The best thing to do is remind them of all the good memories you shared with them. Positivity always wins.
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Post by Oluwa Tomisin »

We can provide comfort to them by making sure they are not ostracised. Show them love and bring out genuine happiness in them so they can see that they truly matter.
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Post by Jnapika D »

I don't think there is such a thing as an appropriate method for providing support or comfort to anyone who's been through so much. Every individual is different, and they might need different things to feel comfortable while facing the same situation. Some need to talk about it and need close monitoring and comfort from their loved ones and friends, while others don't like to talk about it, at least not to their friends, so I would like to support them however they want to be supported. But I would say therapy is a great start, as those professionals can understand them and help them better than anyone else can. And I feel like these work places and educational institutions should have a working therapist and have designated hours every week for therapy. That will help them a lot. With that being said, just because they go to therapy, they should not be teased about it.
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