How to quit the cycle of feeling bad from social media
How to quit the cycle of feeling bad from social media

Niamh Ennis

This spacious five-bedroom Cork City home is on the market for €1.1million
This spacious five-bedroom Cork City home is on the market for €1.1million

IMAGE

Lough Eske Castle: Five-star luxury meets laid-back leisure at this Donegal retreat
Lough Eske Castle: Five-star luxury meets laid-back leisure at this Donegal retreat

Sarah Gill

Tornant House: This extraordinary Wicklow home is on the market for €950,000
Tornant House: This extraordinary Wicklow home is on the market for €950,000

Sarah Gill

MOTHER co-founders Lisa Connell and Cormac Cashman on Cultúr Club 2024
MOTHER co-founders Lisa Connell and Cormac Cashman on Cultúr Club 2024

Sarah Gill

Supper Club: Smoked monkfish with Parma ham and rosemary
Supper Club: Smoked monkfish with Parma ham and rosemary

Meg Walker

With incredible coastal views, this future-proofed Howth home makes the most of its spectacular location
With incredible coastal views, this future-proofed Howth home makes the most of its spectacular location

Megan Burns

Birkenstock Bostons: How to style the fashion set’s favourite clogs
Birkenstock Bostons: How to style the fashion set’s favourite clogs

Sarah Finnan

This Stillorgan semi-d was transformed into a luxurious oasis by a travel-loving couple
This Stillorgan semi-d was transformed into a luxurious oasis by a travel-loving couple

Katie Byrne

This former industrial premises in Dublin 12 has been turned into a family home with two workspaces
This former industrial premises in Dublin 12 has been turned into a family home with...

IMAGE Interiors & Living

Image / Self / Health & Wellness

The dos and don’ts of supporting someone who might be suicidal


By Erin Lindsay
09th Sep 2022
The dos and don’ts of supporting someone who might be suicidal

In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day, we take a look at how you can support someone who might be suicidal

For many of us, thinking about suicide, much less talking about it, can be difficult. We might feel upset, angry or just overwhelmed. But supporting those who might be feeling suicidal is so important.

The latest figures from the National Office for Suicide Prevention have shown that suicide rates in Ireland have fallen to some of their lowest levels in 20 years. However, an unknown number of cases still go unreported due to stigma and contradicting causes of death – car crashes or drownings for example. Without an explicit admission, it’s very difficult in some cases to rule whether it was an accident or intentional and out of respect for grieving families, official reporting tends to lean towards the former. Ultimately, we still have a long way to go.

If you think a loved one might be feeling suicidal, and are unsure of the best way to support them, here are some dos and don’ts to help.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

If you think a loved one might be feeling suicidal, don’t be afraid to ask them in a clear and sensitive way. Many people are afraid to say the words in case it will ‘give the person an idea’, but asking them “you seem low, and I’m worried about you — are you thinking of ending your life?” will give them the chance to open up and begin the conversation around how they feel.

Do listen and let them talk

This may be the first time this person has spoken about suicide. Give them space to explain how they feel and why they feel that way. Be there for them and let them speak for as long as they need to.

Don’t get upset or angry

Try to stay calm and don’t get frustrated if your friend isn’t ready to talk. Do not try to minimise or dismiss how they’re feeling. Although it can be overwhelming, remember that you are there to support them and remain as non-judgemental as possible.

Do reassure them

Let them know that they’re not alone and that there is lots of help out there to support them. Let them know that you’ll be there for them to listen when they need to talk.

Don’t do it all alone

If a friend has told you that they are thinking about suicide, there are lots of services and support out there — don’t put pressure on yourself to be the only one who can help. Think about who can give support — family members, work colleagues, and mental health professionals. If there is an immediate risk that the person may harm themselves, they will need emergency help.

Do keep in touch

People who are suicidal often withdraw from those around them. Stay connected with your loved ones and regularly check in on them.

If you are affected by any of the issues raised, you can contact:

Samaritans: freephone 116123 or text 087 260 9090

Pieta House: freephone 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444

Aware: freephone 1800 804 848

With thanks to the HSE for their guidelines on suicide support.