When someone you care about is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it can be heartbreaking, overwhelming, confusing, or frightening. You might feel unsure of what to say, how to help, or whether you’re doing enough. But your support can make a profound difference. While you may not have all the answers, knowing how to respond compassionately and providing crisis resources can be very helpful in saving lives.
In this post, we’ll advise on how to provide suicide prevention support, including tips for safety planning, how therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help, and when to turn to crisis resources. It also looks at support for you.
1. Active Listening, not Judgement
The person you care for may not immediately need solutions; they may need you to just be present and listen. Start by listening without judgment and validating their emotions. Don’t interrupt or rush to change their perspective. By listening fully and attentively, you show genuine empathy for their situation.
Let them know that you care about them. Sayings like “I’m here for you” or “You are not alone” can be more powerful than you realize.
Avoid minimizing their feelings. Suicidal thoughts often stem from intense emotional pain, and feeling seen and heard is the first step toward healing.
2. Encourage Professional Help
Gently encourage the person to seek therapy. Both CBT and DBT have proven effective in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If you’re not familiar, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT and DBT are two types of talk therapy that have helped many people manage difficult emotions and reduce suicidal thoughts.
- CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It helps people challenge negative beliefs about themselves and develop healthier ways to cope with stress and pain.
- DBT is a form of therapy that combines CBT techniques with mindfulness practices. It’s especially effective for people who experience intense emotions and self-harming behaviors. DBT teaches skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships.
3. Create a Safety Plan Together
Help them make a safety plan, a practical, step-by-step tool to prepare for moments of crisis. This plan acts as a personalized guide that the person can turn to when they feel overwhelmed or suicidal.
A safety plan may include:
- Removing or securing any means of self-harm or lethal items from their environment to reduce immediate risk.
- Identifying personal warning signs or triggers that signal a crisis is coming.
- Listing coping strategies and distractions, such as listening to music, engaging in hobbies, or practicing breathing exercises.
- Having a contact list ready with trusted friends, family members, therapists, and crisis resources they can call or text when struggling.
- Setting up regular check-ins with you or others to provide ongoing support and accountability.
Encourage the person to keep the safety plan somewhere accessible, on their phone, written on paper, or both, so it’s easy to find when they need it most. Remember, a safety plan is flexible and can be updated as their needs change.
4. Know When to Use Crisis Resources
There may be times when professional, immediate intervention is needed, especially if someone is actively planning to hurt themselves or seems at imminent risk. In these cases, don’t hesitate to contact crisis services.
Important Crisis Resources:
- Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line: Call 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)
- Distress Centre Calgary: Call 403-266-4357 or Text 45645 (24/7)
- Distress Line Edmonton: Call 780-482-HELP (4357) (24/7)
- Alberta Suicide Prevention Line: Call 1-800-232-7288 (24/7)
- Health Link Alberta: Call 811 for health advice and referrals
Call emergency services or take the person to the nearest emergency room if the situation is urgent and life-threatening.
5. Care for Yourself Too
Supporting your loved one or someone through a crisis can be emotionally draining, so it’s essential to care for your own well-being too. Prioritize self-care and make sure you have support, so you can continue to be there for them without compromising your mental health. Talk to your friends and family, an emotional support helpline, or consider talking therapy. Learn to set healthy boundaries. Having healthy boundaries with how you step in to help is essential.
You also matter.
How Our Therapists at Journey Psychology Can Help
At Journey Psychology, our compassionate and skilled therapists are here to support both individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts and their loved ones. We offer evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which have been proven effective in reducing suicidal ideation and building resilience.
Our therapists work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized safety plans, teach coping strategies, and create a supportive space for healing and growth. Whether it’s helping someone navigate intense emotions, manage distress, or find hope again, we’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
If you or someone you care about needs professional support, reaching out to Journey Psychology can be an important step toward recovery and safety. You don’t have to face this alone; help is here.
