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WSPD | How to have a conversation with someone you're worried about (ft. Papyrus)
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Image description below:
IMG: The heading of the image reads ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’. Below is a sub-heading that reads ‘How to open up a conversation with someone we’re worried about’. There are illustrations of four clouds in the background of the image and in the top right of the image, an illustration of a young person sitting down. There is a logo in the bottom centre of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and this years theme is “Creating Hope Through Action”. It's a reminder that, as a society, we can get better at preventing suicide and create hope.
Thoughts of suicide can affect anyone at any time. There could be indicators that someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide, such as changes in their behaviour. There may also be no signs, as the person who is struggling may be working really hard to hide their thoughts.
The most important thing to do when working out if someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide is to ask. But that can be difficult, so we spoke to the experts at Papyrus to get their advice on how to have a conversation with someone you’re worried about.
Image descriptions below:
Slide 2: The heading of the image reads ‘Trigger warning’. To the right of the heading is an illustration of an exclamation mark. The text below reads ‘This carousel includes references to suicide and suicidal thoughts. If you are struggling with this, contact our Crisis Messenger 24 hours a day (link in bio), who are there to support with anything we're going through. Samaritans, CALM, or Papyrus also specialise in supporting people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and are there to support us too.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 3: The heading of the image reads ‘Talking about suicide’. The text below reads ‘Many people worry that asking and talking about suicide will make suicide more likely to happen, but this isn't the case. Using the word suicide lets someone know that it's ok to talk openly about their thoughts of suicide.
Research has also indicated that asking someone if they are experiencing thoughts of suicide can reduce the risk of them ending their life.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 4: The heading of the image reads ‘Spotting the signs’. The text below reads ‘Thoughts of suicide can affect anyone at any time. There could be indicators that someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide, such as changes in their behaviour. There may also be no signs, as the person who is struggling may be working really hard to hide their thoughts. The most important thing to do when working out if someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide is to ask.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 5: The heading of the image reads ‘Create a calm and safe space’. To the right of the heading is an illustration of a hearth.
The text below reads ‘When opening up a conversation with someone we are worried about, it can be useful to create a calm, safe space with no distractions. Let them know that right now, they are all that matters. Take time to imagine what it's like for that person, focus on their feelings and their experiences. Stay calm, listen, avoid judgement, and support them to tell their story.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 6: The heading of the image reads ‘What questions should I ask about suicide?’. The text below reads ‘Asking if the person we're worried about is feeling suicidal gives us the opportunity to explore those feelings further and support them to stay safe. Here are some useful questions to ask:’ There are three questions below that read ‘Are you having thoughts of suicide?’, ‘Are you thinking about ending your life?’, and ‘Does suicide feel like an option for you right now?’. There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 7: The heading of the image reads ‘Useful phrases to say’. There is an illustration of a star to the right of the heading’. There are three bullet points below that read ‘"It sounds as though things are really hard at the moment. Can you tell me a bit more about what's going on?”, "It's hard and scary to talk about suicide but take your time and I will listen." "Have you made plans to end your life, if so, are you able to share with me what they are?”. There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 8: The heading of the image reads ‘Building a support network’. The text below reads ‘Part of looking after ourselves when supporting someone is helping them build a support network of professionals, organisations, friends and family.
Involving them in finding support that is most helpful is important and helps them feel reassured that there are other people that can help them too.
If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent support, the quickest way to get help is to call 999.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 9: The heading of the image reads ‘Looking after ourselves’. There is in illustration of a heart to the right of the heading. There is text below that reads ‘Supporting someone who is struggling can be really tough and it is important to make sure we are ok too. Remember that we're never alone in what we are going through and there is support for us.
Reach out to Papyrus by calling their helpline on 0800 068 4141.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 10: There is an illustration of a bookmark in the centre of the image. Below this there is text that reads ‘Save this carousel post for when you may need it or share on your story to help others open up conversations about suicide.
For any further information around the prevention of suicide, reach out to Papyrus, Samaritans, or CALM who specialise in supporting people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 3: The heading of the image reads ‘Talking about suicide’. The text below reads ‘Many people worry that asking and talking about suicide will make suicide more likely to happen, but this isn't the case. Using the word suicide lets someone know that it's ok to talk openly about their thoughts of suicide.
Research has also indicated that asking someone if they are experiencing thoughts of suicide can reduce the risk of them ending their life.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 4: The heading of the image reads ‘Spotting the signs’. The text below reads ‘Thoughts of suicide can affect anyone at any time. There could be indicators that someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide, such as changes in their behaviour. There may also be no signs, as the person who is struggling may be working really hard to hide their thoughts. The most important thing to do when working out if someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide is to ask.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 5: The heading of the image reads ‘Create a calm and safe space’. To the right of the heading is an illustration of a hearth.
The text below reads ‘When opening up a conversation with someone we are worried about, it can be useful to create a calm, safe space with no distractions. Let them know that right now, they are all that matters. Take time to imagine what it's like for that person, focus on their feelings and their experiences. Stay calm, listen, avoid judgement, and support them to tell their story.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 6: The heading of the image reads ‘What questions should I ask about suicide?’. The text below reads ‘Asking if the person we're worried about is feeling suicidal gives us the opportunity to explore those feelings further and support them to stay safe. Here are some useful questions to ask:’ There are three questions below that read ‘Are you having thoughts of suicide?’, ‘Are you thinking about ending your life?’, and ‘Does suicide feel like an option for you right now?’. There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 7: The heading of the image reads ‘Useful phrases to say’. There is an illustration of a star to the right of the heading’. There are three bullet points below that read ‘"It sounds as though things are really hard at the moment. Can you tell me a bit more about what's going on?”, "It's hard and scary to talk about suicide but take your time and I will listen." "Have you made plans to end your life, if so, are you able to share with me what they are?”. There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 8: The heading of the image reads ‘Building a support network’. The text below reads ‘Part of looking after ourselves when supporting someone is helping them build a support network of professionals, organisations, friends and family.
Involving them in finding support that is most helpful is important and helps them feel reassured that there are other people that can help them too.
If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent support, the quickest way to get help is to call 999.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 9: The heading of the image reads ‘Looking after ourselves’. There is in illustration of a heart to the right of the heading. There is text below that reads ‘Supporting someone who is struggling can be really tough and it is important to make sure we are ok too. Remember that we're never alone in what we are going through and there is support for us.
Reach out to Papyrus by calling their helpline on 0800 068 4141.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
Slide 10: There is an illustration of a bookmark in the centre of the image. Below this there is text that reads ‘Save this carousel post for when you may need it or share on your story to help others open up conversations about suicide.
For any further information around the prevention of suicide, reach out to Papyrus, Samaritans, or CALM who specialise in supporting people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.’ There is a logo at the bottom of the image that reads ‘The Mix’.
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We're not able to provide support on this account. If you need support urgently for any reason, please call 999, go to your nearest A&E or contact Crisis Messenger by texting THEMIX to 85258.
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