Talking About & Dealing with Suicide

by Paul Breithaupt, MA, LMSW, CAADC– Wedgwood Outpatient Therapist

 

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In one way or another, suicide impacts everyone There is about 1 death every 11 minutes from suicide in the U.S (Michigan is about average for the U.S.)1

For imminent safety issues always contact 911 and the Crisis Line 988.

• For family and friends of victims.
• Remember, it is not your fault.
• Expect to have to manage a traumatic grief and avoid grilling loved ones about details or reasons. Grief will be a process, expect setbacks, acknowledge uncertainty, and be there for the long-haul.
• Avoid hollow reassurances such as “it will get better”.
• Get help and support from a professional.
• Reach out to others affected and check in on them as well.

For talking with and supporting kids who have lost someone to suicide:

• Manage your own feelings first.
• Be honest (using age-appropriate language).
  • Consider developmental level, circumstances, and level of ability for you as the adult to manage your own feelings.
• Validate feelings.
• Avoid rumors.
• Tailor support to child’s needs.
• Help them extend their own support (i.e. ask who they can talk to at school and how that person could support them).
• Handle school announcements with care (avoid PA).
• Identify students who need more support.
• Prevent imitation and minimize positive attention.
  • Avoid statements regarding the person being no longer troubled, statements that potentially glorify or romanticize their action.
• Generally mindful about how your words can impact others.
• Choose words carefully and focus on the positive aspects of the person’s life.
  • It is appropriate to use “Suicide”. “suicidal thoughts or ideation”. “completed suicide”. “attempted suicide”, “ended their own life or took their own life.”, “died by suicide” and similar terms.
  • Avoid terms that are incorrect, imply accomplishment, or are subjective (i.e. “committed suicide” is a legal term and the act or attempt has changed from a criminal to a civil issue. Another example of wording to avoid: “Successful attempt”
• Keep communication open.