Psych2Go - 8 Things Not To Say To Someone With Suicidal Thoughts
The video aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide, providing guidance on how to support someone with suicidal thoughts. It stresses the importance of listening and being supportive without taking on more than one can handle. The video lists eight things not to say, such as 'I'd be so hurt if something happened to you' and 'It'll get better,' as these can shift focus away from the person in need or feel dismissive. Instead, it encourages acknowledging their struggles and offering a listening ear. The video also advises against using clichés like 'suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem,' as these may not resonate with someone who feels their problems are permanent. It highlights the importance of taking suicidal thoughts seriously and not invalidating someone's feelings by suggesting they are not serious or by enforcing personal beliefs. Lastly, it suggests offering support through presence and empathy, rather than comparisons or dismissive comments, and recommends professional help through platforms like BetterHelp.
Key Points:
- Avoid saying things that shift focus to yourself, like expressing how hurt you'd be.
- Don't use clichés or dismissive phrases that may invalidate their feelings.
- Acknowledge their struggles and offer a listening ear instead of trivializing their issues.
- Take suicidal thoughts seriously and avoid enforcing personal beliefs during discussions.
- Encourage professional help and offer empathetic support, showing they are not alone.
Details:
1. 🎥 Welcome and Mission Introduction
- Psycho's mission focuses on making mental health and self-help more accessible to everyone.
2. 🧠 Discussing Mental Health and Suicide Awareness
- Conversations should guide supportive interactions and are not substitutes for professional mental health advice.
- Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts should be encouraged to seek professional help.
- Emphasizing the courage required to seek help and the importance of a supportive response can be life-saving.
- Avoid overcommitting if you are not a mental health professional, as this can be overwhelming.
- Acknowledging the intensity of these conversations is crucial; they are difficult but can be life-saving.
3. 🛑 Eight Things Not to Say to Someone with Suicidal Thoughts
3.1. Shifting Focus Away from Self
3.2. Avoid Dismissive Positivity
3.3. Take Expressions Seriously
4. 🚫 Avoiding Harmful Phrases in Crisis Conversations
- Avoid using religious threats such as 'if you kill yourself, you'll go to hell' during crisis conversations, as they are unlikely to change feelings or erase suicidal thoughts, and do not encourage open communication.
- Support individuals with suicidal thoughts by acknowledging their courage to share their feelings rather than lecturing them, especially if you do not share the same beliefs.
- Instead of saying 'you need help, you should see a doctor,' recognize their efforts in confiding in you, which helps them feel supported and more willing to seek professional help.
- While professional help is crucial for those with suicidal thoughts, approach the suggestion with sensitivity and recognition of their efforts in seeking help.
- Use supportive language such as 'I’m here for you' or 'It’s brave of you to talk about this,' which encourages openness and trust.
5. 👂 How to Be Supportive and Understanding
- Avoid dismissing someone's feelings by saying 'it's not that bad,' as it minimizes their emotions, which can be perceived differently by individuals.
- Acknowledge you may not fully understand someone else's situation, as everyone has unique experiences and perspectives.
- Listen actively and avoid downplaying the severity of others' emotions, recognizing that feelings are valid and personal.
- Refrain from making comparisons to others who may have worse situations, as this can invalidate someone's emotions and inadvertently cause guilt.
- Focus on being present and supportive without minimizing or comparing their struggles to others'.