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Connection is good for us all, so reach out to someone you care about and ask
them, "Are you OK?" You don't have to be an expert to support someone who is
going through a tough time. You just need to listen to their concerns without
judgment and take the time to follow up with them.
Here are
some simple steps to start and follow through with a conversation.
1. Ask them, "Are you OK?"
"What's been happening? How
are you doing?"
"I've noticed that... What's going on with you at
the moment?"
"You don't seem like yourself, and I'm wondering
if you are OK?
"Is there anything that's causing you to feel
this way?"
2. Listen without judgment
3. Encourage action
"What do you think might help your situation?"
"Have you considered making an appointment with your doctor?"
"Would you like me to make an appointment or come with you?"
4. Follow up
5. Dealing with denial?
"It's OK if you don't want
to discuss it right now, but call me when you're ready to talk."
"Can we meet next week for
a chat?"
"Is there someone else you'd rather discuss
this with?"
6. What if you think the person is
actually considering suicide?
If you're worried that
someone you know is having a tough time or having suicidal thoughts, it's
important that you give them an opportunity to talk about it. Find a quiet,
private space to ask them how they're feeling and whether they've had any
thoughts about suicide. Speak in a calm, confident and non-judgmental manner to
help them feel supported and reassured.
If someone says they're thinking about suicide, it's
important that you take it seriously. Tell the person that you care about them
and you want to help. Don't become agitated, angry or upset. Explain that
thoughts of suicide are common but don't have to be carried out.
It's also essential that you determine whether they've
already formulated a plan to take their life. Try to find out if they've decided
how they'll kill themselves or if they've begun to take steps to end their life.
If you find that they have, it's critical you do NOT leave them alone and do NOT
use guilt or threats to prevent suicide. Even if someone says they haven't made
a plan for suicide, you still need to take it seriously. Lack of a plan does NOT
guarantee their safety. Get immediate professional help or call an emergency
help line, such as Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
People who are thinking about
suicide may signal their suicidal intentions to others. In other cases, there
may be no warning at all. It's therefore critical that you regularly engage with
family, friends and colleagues and provide them with the attention and time to
ask them how they're doing.
7. What if I can't speak to them face-to-face?
Remember that they can't see your face, so it's
important to verbally indicate your support.
"I wanted to call you and talk
a little about how you're doing. Is now a good time?"
"It sounds like you're busy or
in a rush. When is a good time to call you back and talk for a few minutes?
This information is from Australia's R U OK?
Foundation. Website: www.ruokday.com