How to Help a Suicidal Family Member

It can be particularly difficult when a family member is suicidal. You don't want to believe it can happen in your family. You may not understand why your cousin is suicidal when your aunt and uncle are such wonderful people. You may even resent her for grabbing everyone's attention. But you should take your family member's suicidal thoughts seriously. Here's how to help them.

Instructions

1. Listen to your family member's problems. This is more help than you think. Let them know you take their worries seriously and they can trust you to keep unpleasant comments about other family members confidential.

2. Understand what your family member is going through. You may think your uncle's a great guy, but even good people can be destructive. Put yourself in your cousin's shoes and realize that your uncle's constant criticisms can contribute to the suicidal thoughts.

3. Help your family member build self-esteem by pointing out her talents and accomplishments. Work with her on the problems she thinks are insurmountable. Remind her that there are sympathetic family members who will support her.

4. Encourage him to seek help. This doesn't have to be a suicide hotline or 911, which may be frightening to him. A therapist he can connect with can do wonders for his self-esteem. Even online discussion boards can benefit him.

5. Tap into your family network if your relative doesn't want to seek help on her own. Be cautious about who you tell. Your hysterical Aunt Alice can close your relative up to all outside help.

6. Refer your family member for help. Engage people she trusts like a favorite aunt or a close friend to convince her. Get referrals for counselors who specialize in suicide or call a suicide hot line. A doctor will also make suggestions.

7. Offer your suicidal family member support. Sometimes just going with him to therapy sessions or doctors appointments can help him get through it.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn about any illness the suicidal person has like bipolar disorder, depression or schizophrenia.

• Don't be afraid to talk to parents and siblings about destructive behavior that undercuts your family member's self-esteem.

Resources

• Additional Help on This Site
• Forums on Depression Guide