Suicide Prevention Month: How to Talk to Someone Who is Struggling

 

Suicide Prevention Month is an excellent time for you to learn how you can support others who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. It’s time to raise awareness and destigmatize this significant health issue so that we can spread hope and positivity and get the proper resources to those who need them most. 

Suicide does not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of circumstances, prior health history, or family history. Often, however, those with suicidal thoughts display other warning sides that can signal suicide ideation. If you can recognize these signs, then you may be able to help your loved one get the help and hope they need.

Talking with someone struggling is no easy task, and it’s important to remember that you aren’t the only one who can help them. Plenty of professional resources available can give them the proper level of care they need. But if you notice any warning signs, be prepared to support them so they can seek help immediately.

Here are some steps to take when talking to someone who is struggling with their mental health: 

·       Ask Questions. You may need to ask your loved one, “are you having suicidal thoughts?” It is certainly a difficult question to ask, but it will help you determine the level of care they need. You may also want to ask if they have a specific plan on how they would commit suicide, so you can remove any items from the home that would put that plan into action. Also, ask if you can help them reach out to their family members, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other supportive people around them.

·       Listen. Be there for them by just listening. Acknowledge their feelings and try to understand how and why they are feeling the way they are. Sometimes just sharing feelings can help an affected person feel much better; studies show that talking about suicide and acknowledging these feelings can reduce suicidal thoughts. Express your support and love when you can but take the time to hear what they are saying.

·       Stay Calm. Suicide is an emotional and frightening topic, so it’s natural to respond emotionally to what your loved one is saying. Try your best to stay calm and patient, and don’t get overly emotional. Ask simple and direct questions, and try not to argue, raise your voice, or threaten anyone. Don’t talk about your feelings about their suicidal thoughts, and keep the conversation focused on them. The calmer you are, the more rationally you’ll think, and the more you can help them.

·       Keep Them Safe. Logistically, keep your loved one as safe as possible by removing any lethal items from their environment. If they have told you that they have a plan for how they would kill themself, immediately remove the things that are part of that plan. Remove other items in their home that may also be dangerous, such as guns, knives, pills, etc.

·       Connect Them to Resources. Remind them that so many resources are available for them at all hours of the day if they need help. Put the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number (988) into their phone, which they can call or text anytime. You may also want to connect them to the Crisis Text Line (741741), which they can text for help. If you have connections to other mental health professionals, feel free to send those contacts to them. Click here for a complete list of suicide prevention resources and numbers.

·       Stay Supportive. Stay connected after the crisis and show support as they heal. Showing love and support after an emotional time can make all the difference in their mental recovery—studies even show that suicide deaths decrease when people follow up and reach out to those with suicidal thoughts.

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning. We will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us.

Adolf Funeral Home has served the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for several years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.

 

Sources:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

https://jedfoundation.org/suicide-prevention-awareness-month-2021/

https://nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM)

https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources

 

 

 

Grieving During the Digital Age

 

Grieving the loss of a loved one is an emotional and difficult process, made even more so now during the digital age. With the prevalence of social media in our lives, dealing with the loss of a loved one can be even more challenging to navigate. Similarly, it’s essential to know the proper etiquette of grieving so that you don’t inadvertently offend anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one.

It’s important to remember that grieving etiquette isn’t necessarily “one size fits all.” You should always do what you think is best for you and the person experiencing grief. Just lead with your heart and be as genuine as possible, and you’ll be golden! With that said, here are some tips to help guide your social media usage while grieving online: 

·       Wait to Post. If you aren’t an immediate family member or close friend, you should wait to post or announce the death of a loved one. This can be deeply offending, overwhelm those going through loss, and look like you’re “competing” to announce the news first. Always wait for the announcement from a family member, then write your post.

·       Avoid Too Many Photos. Avoid bombarding the feed with too many photos when deciding what to include in your post. Pick a few meaningful pictures of your loved one, accompanied by a short yet thoughtful message. Too many photos can be overwhelming and emotional for the immediate family, who are already processing the loss in their own way.

·       It’s Never Too Late. The timing of the feed is unpredictable, and you might see an announcement of the death days or even weeks after it has happened. Many people are unsure whether to comment on a post sending their condolences. Our answer: why not? The person grieving is likely to see it later and feel heartened by your love and well wishes, no matter when the message comes. It’s a wonderful way to connect without stepping over too many boundaries. Just keep your message short, simple, and sweet.

·       Get Funeral Information. Instead of reaching out for funeral information, wait for a post on Facebook or Instagram announcing the date, time, and location of service. People are very likely to post this information online to reach a broad audience of people who may be interested without having to reach out individually to absolutely everyone. Remember, the family is likely distraught during this time—taking the burden off them of having to repeat this conversation several times is a caring gesture on your part.

·       Make Personal Contact. After posting or leaving a comment online, remember to connect offline and make personal contact with the bereaved. A handwritten note, an email, or a voicemail message are all great ways to personally reach out without overstepping. If you’re especially close to the bereaved, consider making a phone call, or see if there is anything you can do to help the family, like bringing them meals or groceries. 

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning. We will do whatever it takes to make our positive environment translate to your experience with us. 

Adolf Funeral Home has served the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for several years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.

 

Sources:

https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2020/08/21/grief-digital-age-etiquette/

https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/mind-body/wellness/8-ways-to-follow-proper-death-etiquette-in-the-age-of-instagram/news-story/772b8c703e1e0e95ee111db857d18350

https://ehospice.com/canada_english_posts/how-grief-is-evolving-in-the-digital-age/