Supporting someone who feels suicidal or who has attempted suicide can take a lot of time and emotional energy. People often report feeling burdened, guilty or drained when offering support to someone they care about who feels suicidal. These are natural responses to a difficult situation.
Don’t try to deal with this situation alone; you need to look after yourself by sharing the responsibility. This could include:
- Talking to another person who is also concerned about the suicidal person, or
- Talking to someone outside the situation, such as a friend, colleague or ‘helping professional’ (either in person or over the telephone).
It is vital that you get support for yourself at this time– talking to someone outside of the situation such as a friend, family member, counsellor or helpline. This will give you the space to talk about how this situation is affecting you, identify your own needs and build on your coping strategies for managing the situation.
Also ask yourself – "How much time and energy can I give to this situation?" You will be no help to either yourself or the person you are concerned about if the experience of feeling drained develops into exhaustion and burnout.
Self care
Take time out of your support role to care for your own wellbeing.
Are you eating properly and getting enough sleep?
Do you have time to do the things that are meaningful for you?
Reducing stress
Managing your own stress levels is important. What strategies do you draw upon to assist you when feeling under stress?
- music
- getting out into nature
- exercise
- massage
- relaxation
- yoga
- meditation
- any other strategies you find helpful
Print-friendly version