When someone feels as if their life is not worth living anymore or shows signs of an attempt to end it, it is important for you to be there for them in the best way you can. The best choice you can make is to take action.
If you are uncertain as to the specific actions you should take, below are steps you can follow as explained by Mayo Clinic.
Ask questions
Find out if the person is in danger of acting on suicidal feelings. When asking your questions, be sensitive but also direct. You can ask questions such as:
- How are you coping with what has been happening in your life?
- Do you ever feel like giving up?
- Have you ever thought about suicide or tried harming yourself before?
- Are you thinking about harming yourself?
- Are you thinking about suicide?
- Have you thought about how or when you would do it?
Asking the above questions will not push the person to do something self-destructive. Instead, offering them an opportunity to talk about their feelings may reduce the risk of the person acting on their suicidal feelings.
Look for warning signs
Although you cannot always tell when someone is considering ending their life, here are some common signs you can look out for:
- When the person talks about suicide or makes statements relating to their death. For example, “I wish I were dead” or “I wish I was never born.”
- Purchasing paraphernalia to assist them in taking their own life. For example, a gun or pills. You can also look out for an increased use of drugs or alcohol.
- Having polarising mood swings. For example, being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next.
- Feeling hopeless or trapped about a situation.
- Changing their normal routine. For example, their eating or sleeping patterns.
- Saying goodbye to people as if they will not see them again.
Taking immediate action
If someone has attempted suicide:
- Do not leave them alone.
- Call 10177 or a local emergency number immediately. Alternatively, if you think you can do it safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Try to find out if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or may have taken an overdose.
- Inform a family member or friend immediately.
Although the best thing to do is to take action, know that you should not try to handle the situation alone.
Get assistance from a trained professional as soon as possible.
You can also encourage the person to call the Suicide Crisis Line at 0800 567 567.
Also see: 5 Types of depression explained
