TALK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST.
Are you feeling alone, afraid and unsure of what to do next?
You’re worried that people might be shocked or they might not understand?
By telling a family member or friend how you feel and asking them to contact Chris’s House, you are allowing them to help you.
Wouldn’t you do the same for someone else if it were the other way around?
Share your suicidal feelings with someone by email, tex or a note.
Emotional pain is just as serious as physical pain.
We can help you.
We all have mental health in the same way that we all have physical health.
It’s ok to have depression, it’s ok to have anxiety, it’s ok to have adjustment
disorder.
Prince Harry
TREAT THE ISSUE SERIOUSLY
Take this really seriously! It is not just attention seeking. Someone who is talking about feeling suicidal is likely to try to take their own life.
TAKE ACTION
Talk to them. Tell them you will be happy to phone us and arrange an appointment for them as soon as possible.
CREATE A SUPPORT NETWORK
Be supportive and vigilant. Involve other family members and friends . Let this person see how much they are loved and wanted. Try to keep your friend or loved one active. Go for walks, sit with them and try not to allow them to spend time alone.
VISIT CHRIS’S HOUSE
There is nothing to worry about when you come to see us. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. The person will talk to one of our team over a cup of tea or coffee in a warm and supportive setting. They will try to identify why the person finds themselves in crisis.
STAY SUPPORTIVE
We will suggest one of our therapists to work with your friend or family member and also advise on how you can offer support. Finally, check in with the person every day over the next couple of weeks. Find out how they are feeling. Some days they may feel great, but other days they might seem very low again. This is quite normal, but if you are worried, contact us.
MYTHS ABOUT SUICIDE
Fact: 80% of people who die by suicide have talked about it. They will often have shared their feelings with friends, family and counsellors or to their doctor.
Fact: Suicidal thoughts often follow a serious life event – such as the breakdown of a relationship, losing a job or the death of a loved one. This type of thinking can affect anyone, even if they have no history of depression or other mental health issues.
Fact: Someone who attempts suicide needs to be taken seriously and treated with compassion. Without support and professional help, there is an increased risk of someone trying to take their own life again.
Fact: Talking about suicide can save a life by encouraging someone to seek help.
Remember APR, Ask, Persuade and Refer. Ask the person if they feel suicidal, persuade them to allow you to get help for them, and refer them to a service such as Chris’s House.
Fact: Most people who are suicidal don’t really want to die. They just want the pain to stop. Most suicides are preventable. If your friend or family member talks about wanting to die by suicide or having suicidal thoughts persuade them to get help from compassionate people.
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