Recovered from a friend who tried to kill himself.
It can be very upsetting to learn that a friend tried to kill himself.You don't know how to support your emotions during a difficult time, and you may not know what to do with them.You will be able to recover from your friend's suicide attempt if you give yourself time to grieve, get support, and take care of yourself.Taking care of yourself will allow you to respond to them in the future.
Step 1: Allow yourself to feel.
It is normal for a friend to attempt suicide.It can be difficult to find out that your friend tried to end their life.Allow yourself to process these feelings.Talk to another trusted friend who may also be experiencing what you are going through, or consider going to a mental health professional.Some reactions include anger, guilt, fear, avoidance, and minimizing.They are just trying to get attention.
Step 2: Seek the help of others.
It is important that you get support for your emotions from a variety of people.Although it may be difficult to understand or talk about your friend's actions, you will need someone who you can be open with on how their actions affected you.If you continue to be friends with them, you should seek support to help them recover from their suicide attempt.
Step 3: You can do what you want.
You can't change what happened to your friend.It is not possible to cure them, force them to get help, or protect them from attempting suicide again.It is normal to blame yourself, but remember that you are not responsible for their happiness.Allow yourself to be limited and focus on what you can do.You can listen.Weapons and unsafe objects should be removed from their home.Ask other friends and family members for help.You are only human and you should be allowed a break to eat, to go to the bathroom, and to rest.
Step 4: It's important to take care of your body.
Just as you should seek support and take care of your emotional health, make sure you also focus on your physical health.If you have other responsibilities, you may forget to take care of yourself in the next few months as you spend more time with your friend.It's a good idea to exercise on a daily basis or at least a few times per week.Eat a lot of healthy meals and snacks.It is recommended that you get at least 7 hours of sleep per night.
Step 5: You should remember your own happiness.
Don't lose yourself in your friend's mental health issues.It will likely be a long and difficult journey for them.It will help you to help your friend in the long run if you take time to fulfill your own needs for fun, play, and happiness.Whatever you need to do to be happy, do it.
Step 6: Don't reacting negatively.
Even though you are very emotional right now, your friend needs your support more than ever.Make them feel worse about the suicide attempt by avoiding them.Don't lecture them.There was panic.Try to fix them.Abandon them.Make them feel bad.
Step 7: It's best to be supportive.
Try to be supportive of your friend even though you are overwhelmed.You can tell them they are safe with you, can be honest with them, and will be supported by you.You can say, "I know this is hard for you, but remember I'm here to help you."Tell me what you need.
Step 8: They should be encouraged to seek help.
It is not a substitute for professional help after a suicide attempt.You want them to take responsibility for their care after a suicide attempt.If they are motivated to get help, you should still be involved.You can help them find a good counselor.They should be given a number for the suicide hotline.Help them keep track of their medication.You can drive them to counseling appointments.
Step 9: Ask them what they want.
Try to understand what your friend is going through at the time of the suicide attempt.Don't try to avoid a conversation, instead ask your friend questions.The risk of them acting on suicidal thoughts in the future will be reduced if they are given an outlet to talk about their feelings.How are you?How long have you been feeling this way?Are you still thinking about hurting yourself?Is this the first time you tried to hurt yourself?What are you reasons for living?
Step 10: You should create a safety plan for the future.
It may be helpful for both of you to have a plan in place in case your friend tries to kill himself again.In a time of crisis, you can help your friend create a safety plan.Triggers that might lead to a suicide attempt, such as relationship stress or drug use, should be included in the safety plan.There are contact numbers for friends and family.There are contact numbers for therapists, doctors, and mental health facilities.
Step 11: Don't take future warning signs lightly.
To help your friend with future suicidal thoughts or attempts, be on the lookout for warning signs that are really pleas for help.Don't take the warning signs lightly.If you notice any warning signs, talk to your friends for help.Frequent talk and preoccupation about suicide are some of the warning signs to look out for.There are feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.Social isolation.It's time to give away possessions.Self-destructive behavior.
Step 12: Know when you need to reply.
Your friend may have suicidal thoughts again.Some of the things they say about suicidal thoughts are normal and can be worked through in therapy.When you need to be supportive and listen, then you should get outside help.Do you know if your friend has a plan to take their life?Does your friend have the means to take their own life?Do you know if your friend has a time set in mind?What is your friend's plan to carry out?
Step 13: Provide more support.
You should support your friend as much as you can.You can check-in on them by calling, scheduling time with them, and dropping by.They will be on a healthier path if you support and befriend them.It's also important to avoid over-promising.If you know you can't check-in on them frequently, it's a good idea to get someone else to do it for you.Follow through on your plans.You can say what you need instead of being vague.If you want, I can provide take-out food on Tuesdays and Thursdays after I get off work.
Step 14: Encourage lifestyle changes.
Help your friend make changes to their lifestyle, not just emotional and mental health.You might want to start exercising with them on a regular basis.Get them to go out for a run or walk with you a few times a week.You can offer to take them to the grocery store with you if you cook a meal for them.It is possible to encourage healthy, supportive social interaction by getting them out of their house and scheduling activities with other friends.