Talking to someone after a suicide attempt

Conversation guide Providing care after a suicide attempt

If someone you care about has made a suicide attempt, it can be hard to know what to say. You may have a lot of mixed feelings and you may be worried about saying the wrong thing – and that’s ok

There is a lot of shame and stigma around suicide and sometimes that makes people avoid talking about a recent attempt. Showing someone that you care by listening and offering support is important when they are going through hard times.

Here are some ways you can support someone you care about after a suicide attempt.

Listen

We don’t always have to use our words. There is a lot of power in holding space and allowing someone to talk about what they have been going through or how they are feeling.

Don’t judge or blame

You may be feeling sad, confused or even angry. Those are feelings that you can and should explore with your own support system. However, it’s important to make sure that you don’t judge the person who has attempted suicide, shame them, or blame them for their actions. Instead, ask how you can support them during this time.

Work together

You don’t have to do this alone. Now is the time to reach out to your friends, chosen family members, relatives, or professional support. Coming together to support someone as a team will show them that they are cared for, allow them to reach out to different people for support, and give you the space to work through your own feelings.

Take care of yourself

Almost losing someone to suicide is painful. Although you want to be there to support them, it’s important that you take care of yourself and your own needs.