You don’t need to be a trained professional to help someone you think is suffering. You just need to be able to listen and be there for them.
Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts and they are unique to them. Some people’s thoughts come and go whilst others might experience for longer periods of time.
The best thing to do is to ask them directly how they are feeling and give them the opportunity to share where their mind is at.
It can be difficult to know how to help but by just listening and being there for them will make a huge difference.
What to look out for? Look after your MATES.
M Mindset – look for changes in their behaviour
A Attitude – Changes in outlook on life
T Tired – Changes in energy levels
E Emotions – Are things getting too much? Unusual display of emotions, crying etc.
S Speak Up – Do the right thing and inform someone who can help
Here are a few other things to look out for if you are worried about someone:
- Becoming distant and avoiding spending time with people;
- Not taking part in activities they would usually enjoy;
- Finding it hard to cope with everyday tasks or avoiding them at all costs;
- Seeming agitated, wound up, restless, tearful or even angry;
- Extreme mood swings – low to high and vice versa;
- Talking or obsession about death, dying or suicide;
- Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped or being so down its unbearable;
- Talking about being a burden to others or not having a reason to live or carry on with life;
- Increasing use of drugs and alcohol;
- Too much or too little sleep;
- Strange behaviour that is totally out of character;
- Focusing on saying goodbye;
- Often it is those people who that don’t give any warning signs that need the most help.
If you are worried about someone, stay with them in person or over the phone. Encourage them to do the following or contact on their behalf:
- Ring the Samaritans on 116 123;
- Call their mental health worker or GP;
- Call 999 or visit A&E if they are in immediate danger.