{"id":250,"date":"2023-09-05T13:36:46","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T10:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/claritycounseling.co.ke\/?p=250"},"modified":"2023-09-05T13:36:46","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T10:36:46","slug":"suicidal-therapy-nairobi-5-ways-to-support-a-loved-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pcbuilds.site\/sp\/suicidal-therapy-nairobi-5-ways-to-support-a-loved-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Suicidal Therapy Nairobi – 5 Ways to Support a Loved One"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Suicidal Therapy Nairobi – 5 Ways to Support a Loved One<\/h1>\n

When a person has suicidal feelings, it is extremely hard for them to reach out for various reasons. For instance, they fear being judged, labeled, or rejected, may feel guilty and ashamed, and don’t want to burden others with their struggles. <\/span><\/p>\n

As someone trying to help a friend or family member deal with suicidal ideation, you may feel stuck and wonder how much help you can offer. However, being present in their lives, showing support, and your available to talk makes a huge difference. It can even save their lives. Today, in the spirit of the theme of this year’s world suicide day, we will empower you further with five ways in which you can help a loved one struggling with suicidal thoughts<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Dispel the Stigma Surrounding Suicide<\/span><\/h4>\n

The damaging societal stigma surrounding suicide causes people having suicidal thoughts less likely to seek help. The person you desire to support must know that you do not hold negative and biased views about suicide, which creates a safer space for them to open up.<\/span><\/p>\n

First, you must communicate to them that having suicidal ideation is a treatable mental health condition and not a character flaw or moral failing. Secondly, normalize talking about suicidal thoughts and even prior suicidal attempts without taking it personally. This approach takes away the shame and secrecy surrounding it, reducing the risk of suicide attempts.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Offer a Non-Judgemental Listening Ear<\/span><\/h4>\n

Offering a non-judgemental listening year is a simple yet effective way of helping a suicidal person. It conveys the message that their feelings are valid and you care about them. You also create a safe space for them to express their inner struggles without fear of criticism. Here are applicable steps for offering a listening ear:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Create a safe talking space; don’t lecture them or hurriedly dismiss their feelings.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Let them freely express their thoughts and emotions without telling them how they should and shouldn’t feel or think. <\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Ask questions to help you better understand what led them to contemplate suicide. An example of a question is, \u201cWhat situation caused you to start feeling this way?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Empathize and validate how challenging or painful their state is. For example, say, \u201cI can only imagine how difficult this is for you.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Reaffirm you care about them and are committed to helping them through it. They don’t have to deal with the challenges alone.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Related: <\/span>Why Childhood Trauma Could Be Causing Your Psychological Struggles<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    3. Ask How They are Coping (Follow Up)<\/span><\/h4>\n

    Imagine you had confided in someone about your struggles. After some time, they check in to see how you are doing. The thoughtful action reassures you that they care about you and are willing to continue offering you support. Someone you know struggling with suicidal thoughts will also come to a similar conclusion. <\/span><\/p>\n

    When you ask a suicidal person how they are coping with life, it shows their life matters and opens the door for deeper and ongoing communication. Examples of open-ended questions to ask as follow-up include:<\/span><\/p>\n