Talk to someone about your experiences
If you are having thoughts about suicide, talking about how you feel can be incredibly helpful. There are many people who can support you and help you. The most important thing is to find the right help.
How to start the conversation?
Share your thoughts with someone you trust and feel comfortable with. This could be a family member, friend, teacher, family doctor, or health professional.
- Try to treat it as just another conversation. Share what happened, how you feel, and what kind of help you might need. It’s best to be direct so that the listener can better understand how you feel.
- Be prepared for the listener’s reaction. People who hear about suicide may be shocked and react emotionally. Just keep talking. Together, you can find a way to overcome the crisis.
- Ask for help in finding support: online, by calling a helpline, or by accompanying you to an appointment with a specialist.
When you share your thoughts about suicide, you can expect the other person to keep it confidential. However, when you are experiencing a suicidal crisis, it is extremely important to ensure your safety, so they must be able to protect you by seeking additional help.
What should you do if you feel misunderstood after the conversation?
If you feel that the person you spoke to did not understand you, talk to someone else or call the helpline. Don’t let your first bad experience prevent you from finding the help you need.