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Helping Someone Recover

When a person is thinking about suicide, they are ambivalent. Despite the suicidal thoughts, a part of them still wants to live, and that’s the part that keeps them going. As a friend or family member, you can play an integral role in their recovery by nurturing the part that wants to live.

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Keep in mind that if you need help dealing with the situation, you can contact a suicide.ca counsellor at any time.

Identifying protective factors

Protective factors are things that help people when they are unwell. Understanding what will help a person who’s thinking about suicide is key to supporting them. 

Here are some examples of protective factors:

  • Being in contact with friends and family
  • Having reasons to live
  • Doing things that make us feel good
  • Having plans for the future
  • Taking care of basic needs (eating, sleeping, taking medication as prescribed, etc.)

Adopting a caring attitude

Here are some attitudes that can help support a person who is thinking about suicide.

Learn to recognize what is helpful for the person who is thinking about suicide

When a person is having suicidal thoughts, they may lose sight of the little things they do each day to take care of themselves. It’s often helpful to pay attention to these things and encourage them. 

Here are some examples of what you can say to help :

  • What are you doing to take care of yourself these days?

  • What do you tell yourself to make yourself feel better?

  • Who are you going to see to take your mind off things?

  • What do you think about to make yourself feel better?

  • What's helping to keep your mind off things?

  • What do you do to relax?

  • What makes it better?

Encourage the person to adopt behaviours that make them feel good

When the person has identified things they can do that are helpful, encourage the person to make them part of their life. Here are some things you can say to encourage the person:

  • I know you well. I don't know how you're going to do it yet, but I'm positive you'll find a solution.

  • I'm confident that you're capable of tackling the challenge the lie ahead.

  • I'm impressed when you _______.

  • It's very inspiring how you're able to tackle the challenge you face.

  • I know you'd really like to _______. What do you think would be the smallest possible step you could take to reach that goal?

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