Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts: What Family, Friends, and Partners Can Say and Do

This compassionate guide provides communication techniques and coping skills to support a loved one in crisis,while also taking care of themselves. It is based on decades of clinical experience in suicidology and offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT),and mindful self-compassion tools to help navigate difficult conversations and manage emotions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications

If you have a loved one who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you may feel deeply afraid – both of loss and of saying the wrong thing and making matters worse. Based on decades of clinical experience in suicidology, this compassionate guide gives readers the essential communication techniques and coping skills they need to support a loved one in crisis, while also taking care of themselves.

If you love someone who is having suicidal thoughts, you may struggle with the profound fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. You want to help, and you may even feel a kind of desperation to make sure your loved one is safe, but are unsure of where to start. This book can guide you as you support your loved one – without sacrificing your own needs and well-being. You'll find the answers to some of your most urgent questions, including:

What are signs, symptoms, and clues of suicide risk?

How do I talk with my loved one about their suicidal thoughts?

When should I call the police?

What treatments are available?

How can I help the person I care about stay safe?

What can I do to help them feel better?

What can I do to cope better, too?

What happens after a suicidal crisis?

Written by a psychotherapist and based on decades of clinical experience in suicidology, this compassionate guide offers essential communication techniques you can use to help your loved one, as well as coping and self-care strategies to help you navigate intense stress, worry, fear, and anxiety. Drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindful self-compassion, the tools in this book will assist you in navigating difficult or painful conversations with your loved one, as well as manage your own emotions.

If someone close to you is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it's important to know that you're not alone. There are many resources and support available to help both you and your loved one. Here are some steps you can take:

Talk to your loved one: The most important thing you can do is talk to your loved one about their thoughts and feelings. Let them know that you care about them and that you're there for them. Be open and honest, and listen to what they have to say.

Encourage them to seek help: If your loved one is considering suicide, encourage them to seek help from a professional. This can include talking to a therapist, counselor, or doctor.

Call emergency services: If your loved one is in immediate danger, call emergency services such as {PHONE} or your local emergency number.

Support your loved one: Offer your support to your loved one during this difficult time. This can include providing emotional support, helping with practical tasks, or just being there for them.

Take care of yourself: It's important to take care of yourself during this difficult time. Make sure you're eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks to recharge.

Seek support: If you're struggling to cope with your own emotions or are feeling overwhelmed, seek support from friends, family, or a support group.

Remember, suicide is a serious issue, but there is hope and help available. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please don't hesitate to reach out for help.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 227 x 152 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648480249