How can you support clients experiencing suicidal ideation?

1. Listen non-judgmentally. Allow clients to express their feelings and thoughts without interrupting or passing judgment. 2. Offer empathy and support. Show genuine care and concern for the client’s well-being and let them know that you are there for them. 3. Create a safety plan. Please work with the client to develop a plan that includes coping strategies, support networks, and emergency contacts when they feel overwhelmed. 4. Reduce access to means. If the client has access to lethal means, help them create a safety plan to reduce their access and keep them safe. 5. Stay in touch. Follow up with the client regularly to provide ongoing support and check on their well-being. 6. Connect them with professional help.

If and when it is safe to approach the person ask a range of questions to determine if they are they Imminent or non imminent

Validation is so important when talking to someone experiencing suicidal ideation. Active listening skills and making the conversations about them. I was also taught very early on in my career asking direct questions such as “do you want to kill yourself?” is exactly what the person needs in the moment. It shows your ability to have this conversation and are more open to share their thoughts and feelings. If you feel hesitant or you’re nervous about asking those tough questions they will notice and not share to protect your feelings and concerns. Stay away from statements like “your family would miss you” although it’s natural for us to say this and we think it helps it actually makes the person feel more guilty. Just listen and explore.

People with suicidal intentions are vulnerable, emotionally broken and highly volatile wrt behavioural aspect. They are not thinking straight and no logic or reasoning works on them. What we can do is let them know that someone is there who understands and is non judgemental. Someone to tell them whatever is on their mind is a response to trauma that they are going through and such thoughts are not to be ashamed of. It's just that they need support system wherein they are understood, consoled and offered a safe space to share their feelings without the fear of being labelled or judged. If we make them feel loved, cared for, supported , they may share more freely and that can help them to deal with such overwhelming emotions.

be sure to listen non judgementally. Just to have someone listen and have empathy can sometimes be enough to help the individual

Self-worth often lies at the heart of our struggles, leaving us questioning our place and purpose in life. When we actively listen and affirm the emotions of others, we are effectively communicating their intrinsic value. We acknowledge their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the world and affirm their significance. Trauma often underpins the intense emotional anguish that people endure, and it is through our expressions of love and understanding that we forge connections. These connections are vital, as they foster the release of oxytocin, initiating the journey toward healing.

I would suggest not to keep reffering to yourelf as a marker it is really at this point to understand how the person perceives the situation to help offer them sound advice or guidence

Safety planning is a key aspect of intervening. Safety plans should include: Emergency Contact Info for crisis phone and text hotlines, mental health professionals, and emergency hospital services. Coping strategies that the client can use to manage suicidal thoughts and emotions, or grounding exercises. Identifying the client's social support network of individuals the client can reach out to for help and support during times of crisis. Discuss safety measures to reduce access to lethal means, such as removing or securing firearms, & medications. It should include warning signs & triggers. Help the client identify warning signs and triggers for suicidal thoughts or behaviors, as well as strategies for managing these triggers effectively.