{"id":77844,"date":"2025-08-11T00:04:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T04:04:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.edu\/?p=77844"},"modified":"2025-08-11T00:04:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T04:04:16","slug":"what-to-say-and-how-to-help-if-someone-close-to-you-has-attempted-suicide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.edu\/what-to-say-and-how-to-help-if-someone-close-to-you-has-attempted-suicide\/","title":{"rendered":"What to say and how to help if someone close to you has attempted suicide"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

If someone close to you has attempted suicide, you may be feeling scared, confused or overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re not alone \u2013\u00a0the most recent data<\/a>\u00a0shows more than one in three Australians have been close to someone who has died by or attempted suicide.<\/p>\n

Talking about suicide can be really hard. But\u00a0your support can make a big difference<\/a>. Here\u2019s what you can do to support someone after a suicide attempt.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s OK not to have all the answers<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The days and weeks after a suicide attempt are often\u00a0full of intense emotion<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 for the person who attempted and those who care about them.<\/p>\n

Your loved one might feel guilt, shame, anger, confusion or relief. They might also be tired, both physically and emotionally. Meanwhile, you might feel worried, shocked, helpless, or\u00a0unsure about what to say<\/a>.<\/p>\n

All of these feelings are normal. There\u2019s no \u201cright\u201d way to feel in this situation. But staying connected and offering care (even in small ways) is one of the most powerful things you can do.<\/p>\n

How you can help: emotional support<\/strong><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s OK to\u00a0acknowledge<\/a>\u00a0the suicide attempt \u2013 avoiding it can add to feelings of stigma or isolation. But you don\u2019t need to ask for details, and if you feel overwhelmed it\u2019s also OK to set gentle boundaries.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re unsure what to say, you can be honest about that.<\/p>\n

Just be there.<\/strong>\u00a0Let your loved one know\u00a0you\u2019re there to listen<\/a>, without pressure or judgement.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t rush the conversation.<\/strong>\u00a0If they\u2019re not ready to talk, that\u2019s OK. Let them set the pace.<\/p>\n

Avoid\u00a0guilt or blame<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0Saying things like \u201chow could you do this to us?\u201d can make someone feel worse. Instead, say something like: \u201cI\u2019m really glad you\u2019re still here. I care about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reassure them.<\/strong>\u00a0Tell them they\u2019re not alone and that it\u2019s OK to ask for help.<\/p>\n

How you can help: practical support<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Offer help<\/a>\u00a0with everyday tasks, such as going to appointments, making meals or tidying up.<\/p>\n

Encourage (but don\u2019t force) activities they enjoy \u2013 maybe a walk, a movie, or just hanging out quietly.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not sure what would help, ask. Try: \u201cWhat would make today a bit easier for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Try not to take it personally if they seem withdrawn or say \u201cnothing will help\u201d. They may be feeling overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

Stay with them, if they\u2019re open to it, or check in later with a text message. Small acts that don\u2019t require a response, such as dropping off a meal, can go a long way.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to do this alone<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Supporting someone after a suicide attempt can be both physically and emotionally draining. You might find yourself constantly alert,\u00a0watching for signs<\/a>\u00a0they might be struggling again. This \u201chypervigilance<\/a>\u201d is normal, but remember \u2013 you don\u2019t have to do this alone.<\/p>\n

One person is not a support network. While your care and support make a real difference, professional help is essential too, whether from a psychologist, doctor or counsellor.<\/p>\n

It can also help to bring in other trusted people, such as siblings, parents, friends or teachers. Ask your loved one who they\u2019d like to involve, and how.<\/p>\n

Support works best when shared.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re worried it might happen again<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Mental health professionals often help create a\u00a0safety plan<\/a>\u00a0after a suicide attempt.<\/p>\n

This is a step-by-step guide for what to do if suicidal thoughts come back. It usually includes information such as warning signs, how to reduce immediate risks, and strategies to use in the moment.<\/p>\n

A plan can also involve personal motivations to keep going and a list of resources, trusted people and emergency contacts.<\/p>\n

Lifeline has a free app called\u00a0Beyond Now<\/a>, where a plan can be written, saved, and shared with trusted people.<\/p>\n

If you want to \u2013 and your loved one is open to it \u2013 ask if you can be part of the plan or at least know what to do if they\u2019re in crisis again.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget: your wellbeing matters too<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This situation can\u00a0take a toll<\/a>\u00a0on your own wellbeing. You might feel anxious, tired, sad, or even guilty, and struggle with sleep or appetite.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s OK to not be OK.<\/p>\n

Make time to look after yourself \u2013 eat well, rest, move your body and talk to people you trust. You don\u2019t need to share private details about your loved one to get the support you need.<\/p>\n

If it feels overwhelming, speak to a doctor or therapist. Your GP can help set up a\u00a0mental health treatment plan<\/a>, which helps you access subsidised counselling.<\/p>\n

And if you ever have thoughts of suicide yourself, or you\u2019re deeply worried about someone, reach out \u2013\u00a0help is available 24\/7<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Recovery is different for everyone<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Recovery<\/a>\u00a0after a suicide attempt doesn\u2019t follow a set path \u2013 it\u2019s different for everyone. It may involve professional support, medication, changes in routine, or time off from work or school.\u00a0Rebuilding takes time<\/a>\u00a0and often comes with ups and downs.<\/p>\n

Patience and compassion \u2013 for your loved one and yourself \u2013 can make all the difference.<\/p>\n

Remember, you\u2019re not alone, and there is help available.<\/p>\n

Lifeline Australia:<\/strong><\/p>\n