As Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month comes to a close, we are reminded that this cause requires our attention every day. Supporting someone struggling with suicidal thoughts is an ongoing journey, not just a month-long effort. It demands patience, compassion, and care for not only them but for yourself as well.
It is undoubtedly challenging to love and support someone grappling with suicidal thoughts. As much as we want them to feel better quickly, recovery is not immediate. Supporting a loved one through this difficult time requires understanding, emotional strength, and endurance. However, amidst this, it’s essential to remember that your well-being matters too. If you’re not taking care of yourself, how can you be there for them?
Here’s a guide to balancing support for others while ensuring you don’t lose sight of your own mental health:
Encourage Professional Help
While your support is invaluable, it’s important to recognize that professionals such as therapists and counselors are specially trained to guide individuals through suicidal thoughts. Gently encourage your loved ones to seek professional help and support them throughout the process. This not only gives them additional resources to cope but also relieves some pressure from you to "fix" the situation.
Celebrate Their Small Steps
Recovery is often found in the small victories. Simple daily tasks like getting out of bed, eating a meal, or taking a short walk may seem minor, but they can be monumental for someone facing severe emotional pain. Celebrate these moments with your loved one, as doing so can reinforce positive behavior and encourage them to keep moving forward, step by step.
Communicate Openly and Listen
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is listen. Offering a safe, judgment-free space for your loved one to express their feelings can make a world of difference. Acknowledge their emotions without dismissing them. It can be difficult to hear someone talk about suicide or hopelessness, but communicating honestly and compassionately can create an environment where they feel truly supported.
Monitor Your Own Well-Being
Supporting someone through a crisis can be emotionally draining. It’s easy to downplay your own feelings, but it’s crucial to recognize when you’re becoming overwhelmed. Remember, seeking help for yourself isn’t a sign that you can’t be there for your loved one—it means you’re ensuring that you can show up for them in a healthy way. Monitor your emotional state, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist, counselor, or support network if you start feeling burned out.
Set Boundaries and Practice Self-Care
There will be days when just knowing your loved one is safe is enough. You can’t always be the one to carry their burdens, and that’s okay. Setting firm boundaries is essential—not just for you but for them as well. Prioritize time for yourself, whether it’s taking a walk, enjoying a quiet moment, or spending time with friends. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. You are not responsible for saving anyone. Be kind to yourself when you need space or a break. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
A Continuous Call to Action
While we highlight suicide prevention in September, remember that the need for awareness and action doesn’t stop when the month ends. People battling suicidal thoughts face ongoing challenges, and our support must reflect that. Educate yourself about mental health so that you can be a resource for others, encourage professional help, and continue showing up when it matters most.
Your loved one’s life and safety are a priority—but so are you. Navigating this space can be complex, and finding the right balance between helping and preserving your well-being is key. Don’t hesitate to seek support if you need it; you deserve the same compassion you give. Take the first the step by booking a call to start your journey to wellness with us!
About Wellness Tree Counseling...
Our mission at Wellness Tree Counseling Services is to promote wellness through a culturally sensitive lens so that individuals, families and communities are encouraged to rise to their full potential and engage life in meaningful ways.
Our vision is to provide the BIPOC community with comprehensive holistic care that empowers and equips them with skills to work toward improved mental health and well-being. We take great pride in treating the whole-person.
Our core values of Wellness Tree Counseling Services is to treat each individual with C.A.R.E. (Compassion, Affirming, Respect, & Empathy)
To learn more about our services, please visit www.wellnesstreecounseling.com
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