Depressed people don’t share their stories easily. So be compassionate. A report last year from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that 54 percent of Americans who died by suicide between 1999 and 2016 did not have a diagnosed mental health condition, and instead struggled with other issues such as adversity and trauma.
How can we help?
Watch their words:
If they are talking about feeling trapped, like they’re a burden to others, overwhelmed, hopeless, desperate, in pain, any of those indicators, there is your cue.
Trust your gut:
If you see one’s behaviors change or they start to withdraw and you feel worried, there is your other cue.
Talk directly
If you just ask the person directly, sometime it’s a relief for them to be able to talk about their intention of committing suicide.
In many cases, you don’t have to solve their problem. Just listen. And link them up with National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Their five steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal:
* Ask, “are you thinking about suicide?”
* Keep them safe by reducing their access to lethal means such as firearms; * Be there for them, whether in person or any other way;
* Help them connect by offering to call or text a crisis line or accompany them if they are referred elsewhere; * Stay in touch to offer ongoing support.
Source: Internet and Others