Helping a relative

Worried for a relative? What to say and what to do

Talk about suicide directly and calmly

 Ask the right question to know their intentions. Ask them openly if they are thinking about suicide and listen to them without judgment. Talk to them about their desire to die, and ask them how and when they plan to take their own life.

Ask how you could help

Ask them what you can do, if possible, work together on an action plan to get help, including their social network (family, friends, organizations, etc.). While it is important to act quickly, it is just as important for the person to take certain steps to deal with the situation.

At this stage, it is important not to take the person’s entire responsibility, as this could confirm their inability to look after themselves. Talk to them to identify what they need, what would be good for them. Avoid sharing your recipes for happiness.

Encourage expression of the feelings that gave rise to suicidal ideation

In a suicidal crisis, the person is in a state of confusion. Encourage the person to express their feelings, and ask about recent events. Talk to them about what is going wrong, what is causing them the most pain. It is important not to moralize, trivialize or minimize. Remember that the problem is weighing on them to the point of wanting to take their own life.

Recognize your limits, do not promise to keep it a secret but promise to be discreet about it;

Don’t keep your suicidal thoughts a secret. Check to see if the person in difficulty feels comfortable receiving help from outside of you. Call (450) 746-0303 to receive support from our counselors who can help the person in difficulty. This will allow you to not manage the situation alone, and will also allow you to pass the torch when you feel more tired.

Do not hesitate asking help from organizations

Do not let discomfort or embarrassment prevent you from directly validating your concerns. Asking about someone’s condition is, above all, a demonstration of their importance to us.