@Gianna96 17 June 2021 more from that month

Honestly, this wasn't a comfortable write. I had to pause, collect myself and write over and over again. But it's finally done. TW: Suicide This is a guide to how to talk to a suicidal person, based on personal experience. 1.Speak in a calm, soft voice. Any trace of panic or anger in your voice is likely to trigger the other person to close off and feel uncomfortable, guilty. 2. Tell them you want to listen, encourage them to talk. In case they don't warm up at first, try easy small talk. Ask them how their day was, how they are feeling, if they ate today, maybe talk about a common interest. Work your way in like you would in a normal conversation. 3.Read between the lines, and the silences. As someone who's been there, no person who has reached the line of not wanting to live will tell you head on what's wrong. They have had their trust abused and their weaknesses exploited. So when they speak, use your ears and brains to pick up hints. 4. Don't give them vague hope. Everything is going to be fine, you can do this, blah blah blah- they've already heard these and they are tired of it. If there's a problem, try to provide pragmatic solutions, talk from personal experience, share anecdotes, if possible offer to help. There is hope but, don't tell them. Show them. 5. DO NOT at any point, belittle their struggle or worse, blame them for their struggle. Chances are they already blame themselves and that's why they've decided to put an end to it. Don't add on it. 6. This is someone's life at stake. Spend hours if necessary. This cannot be a rush job you can get done in 10 minutes. If you get impatient, angry or frustrated, trust me, the other person will know. And they would rather die than burden you with their problems. 7. Do not criminalise them. Don't tell them they are committing a crime, or they are being selfish. A person who wants to die believes that they are a giant problem nobody wants and that's why they want to relieve everyone. In their heads it's not selfish. It's freeing. 8. Guilt tripping and emotional blackmail is a big no. This person already feels low enough to end their lives, don't push them further down the hole. 9. Stating how religion doesn't allow this doesn't work. This person who has given up all hope also probably thinks there is no God/ God doesn't love them. If religion could anchor them, it would have done so long ago. 10.If this person came to you, or opened up to you, it means they are trusting you at their most vulnerable stage. Respect and value that trust. It's not a parade, don't announce things with a big mic. 11. Finally, you who has been given this daunting task, thank you for doing this. Stay patient, brave and calm. You can do this. Suicidal people often reach out or drop hints as a cry for help. You've already done a great job by responding to it. You can do the rest too. Just be your kindest, most responsible self. I promise you, there is a light lurking just behind the dark. Feel free to add your own, if you have any, in this thread. #RandomThoughts