Module 3 - Talking About Suicide - A Practical Guide
Transcript
Module 3: Talking About Suicide – A Practical Guide
Step 4: Builing trust
1. After you’ve asked about suicidal thoughts and had an open conversation about the person’s distress, the next step is to help them plan what comes next. This often includes encouraging them to seek professional help and establishing a support circle of people they can turn to.
2. Talking about suicidal thoughts is extremely difficult, and many people find it hard to open up to others. Still, try to gently encourage the person to think about who else they might confide in—a friend, family member, teacher, or colleague. If they’re willing, offer to be present when they speak to someone else about how they’re feeling. This not only supports the person in that moment but also helps begin building a circle of support around them. It’s also critical that the person receives professional help. If you’re already aware of professionals or services that could support them, suggest those. You can also find several helpful resources on this website under the Locate Resources section. If possible, offer to accompany the person to the first appointment or point of contact. Your presence can make that step feel less overwhelming. If immediate help isn’t available, encourage the person to promise to reach out for support as soon as you’ve identified the right professional or service.
3. Take a moment to answer this reflective question: What methods of help, or which professionals, would you recommend to someone you care about who is in distress? Try to identify at least two sources of support you could suggest.
4. Finally, remember: do your best to ensure that your support doesn’t end with this one conversation. Continue to check in—call, visit, or simply remind them that you care. Your presence and willingness to stay involved can make all the difference. Sometimes, it’s this ongoing connection that helps prevent the worst.