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Dos and Don'tsIf you think someone is suicidal, there are some basic do's and don'ts to keep in mind:Do talk openly. Reassure them that they can be helped. Try to instill hope. Do encourage expression of feelings. Do listen without passing judgment. Do make empathic statements. Do stay calm, relaxed, rational. Do know how to access resources. Don't make moral judgments. Telling someone that suicide is a sin won't help.Don't argue or lecture. Don't encourage guilt. Don't promise total confidentiality, or offer reassurances that may not be true. You may be asked to promise that you won't tell anyone. The best response is that because you care about the individual, you're unwilling to make that promise - that you're taking him/her seriously and that you want to get them help. Don't offer empty reassurances."You're luckier than most people" won't help Don't minimize the problem or offer simplistic solutions"You just need a good night's sleep" won't help.Don't "dare" the suicidal person or try reverse psychologyDon't leave the person alone.Don't go it alone. |