This episode explores how to offer support in regards to suicide prevention. Including signs to look for if someone you know may be suicidal. How self-care while supporting those in need is also important and finally, the journey of emotions and grieving for those of us navigating life after someone we know or love suicides.
I’ve felt compelled to share this topic as a friend and, as practitioner who has helped clients navigate grief and loss. And, also as someone who has experienced the grief of a loved one’s suicide and the after effects of that in the family and daily life. I have witnessed and experienced firsthand the power of prevention, the power of a conversation, the power of listening and lending a hand, along with the power of self care, professional support and loving kindness.
Together, We Also Explore
A little conversation can make a big difference:
Asking are you ok?
Active listening
Asking “do you need anything?” or “is there anything I can do to help?”
Getting out into nature
Exercising together
Sharing a meal
Checking-in
Asking Important Questions
When something still isn’t right and it doesn’t seem enough – Safety Planning
Signs to look for if someone doesn’t seem themselves or ok
Crisis – helplines & professional support
Self-Care While Supporting Those in Need or Crisis:
Staying in touch with friends and family
Taking regular breaks
Setting healthy boundaries
Sleep
Eating well and exercise
Emotional and mental support
Relaxation
Burn out
Speaking with employers or guidance for those self-employed
Balance, limits and self- awareness
Emotions & Grieving after Suicide
Processing & navigating loss in your own way
The Seven Stages of Grief & Grief After Suicide
Shock/Disbelief
Understanding Why
Denial
Anger & Blame
Bargaining
Guilt
Shame
Sadness & Depression
Acceptance
Adjustments and life after – from darkness to new light
Stella Excerpt
Shining the Light on how we can better love and support those we care about today and every day is something we can become more aware of and ideally proactive with. This includes supporting those struggling with life challenges, be them mental or otherwise, and also those who are in positions of care or support roles.
Takeaway Gem
A gift of grief is that it makes us tender to the suffering of others. We can become more empathetic, compassionate, kind and loving. We can also become more aware, open, conscious. Even motivated to a point where you may be inspired to be an advocate, speaking up and broadening your supportive roles to ensure suicide prevention, mental health and support at all stages of related crisis are spoken of and better understood. All the better we as a collective, as a humanity, can help each other in times of darkness and challenge. For we are all in this together.
For those navigating these challenges you may also find these previous podcast episodes helpful;
Ep. 19 ‘Loss & Death; A Sacred Transformation’
Ep. 26 ‘Self Care for Depression and Dark Times
In Light & Love of the Soul, Elise | S*M
