Approach your sibling and say, “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. What can I do to support you better?”
Asking open-ended questions: “What happened to make you feel this way?” or “How long have you been feeling this way?” Summarizing what the person said: “So, you’ve been feeling pretty bad ever since you dropped out of college. " Reflecting, or repeating a word back: Your sibling says, “Yes, I’ve felt just lost in my life since then. " You can reflect by repeating, “Lost. . . " to encourage them to continue. Clarifying points that the person skirts over: “Tell me more about that. " Reacting to the message: “You have really been having a tough time. I appreciate you sharing your feelings with me. "
If you have the urge to state a judgment, such as “Oh, that’s what bothering you?”, just don’t say anything at all. Practice your active listening skills and be present for your sibling. You might say something like, “We all think or feel things we aren’t proud of. I won’t judge you for what you think or how you feel. "
“I know it seems hard, but you can feel better with professional help. " “It may not look like it today, but these feelings are only temporary. " “You are not alone. " “Your life is important to me. Whatever it takes, I will help you through this. "
If physical touch isn’t normally exchanged between the two of you, show your concern in verbal ways like listening or asking how you can help. [3] X Research source
For example, you might say to your sibling, “I’m sorry, but I cannot keep this a secret. I want you to live, and that means telling someone so you can get the help you need. "
Teens may fear being judged or getting their parents angry. If your sibling says they don’t want to tell them, offer to do it with them. The two of you might go to your parents and you hold their hand as they say something like, “My life has been really crappy lately and I have thought of how to kill myself. “[5] X Research source Or, if they refuse to talk to them, you might approach them and share your concern. “Mom, Dad, I’m really worried about Ben. He told me he has been wanting to kill himself, and I believe him. We need to get him some help. " Respectfully let them know that you are serious and if they don’t act on your urges to get them help, you will tell others (other close family members, a school counselor, etc. ) until someone listens.
A safety plan template is available from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This document allows your sibling to list any contact numbers they can call, such as their therapist, the suicide hotline, or the local emergency room. It will also include warning signs that your sibling may notice when feeling suicidal and coping strategies they can use to take their mind off these thoughts and feelings, like phoning a friend, taking a walk, or exercising. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Suicide prevention network operating a toll-free 24/7 hotline for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress Go to source
If your sibling is resistant to treatment, ask them to do it for you as a favor or gift. For example, you might say, “Having you feel better and more hopeful is important to me. That’s why I’m asking you to see a psychologist that will help you with what you’re going through. I know you don’t want to, but it would give me peace of mind. " Take things further by facilitating the process. Research a therapist who specializes in suicide or depression and set up an appointment for your sibling. Reassure them that you will attend the appointment with them.
Showing no hope for the future Talking about death frequently Giving away possessions Feeling like a burden to others Withdrawing from friends or family Neglecting personal responsibilities (e. g. work, school, or extracurriculars) Making visits to loved ones or acting as if he is saying goodbye Seeking out means to cause harm (e. g. weapons or pills) Acting recklessly; using drugs or alcohol; practicing unsafe sex
Take note: if your sibling requires constant watch to prevent suicide, they should probably be under medical and psychiatric care in a hospital.
