#September10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Let's rephrase it as #YourLifeMattersEveryDay_Day to emphasize the importance of caring for one another every day, not just on a designated day. There's a common social media post that has been circulating for ages. It goes something like, "Your door will always be open, and your phone always on, no matter how busy your life might be, and I'm here if you want to talk." While this sentiment is well-intentioned, it can be blissful ignorance, which can make it more dangerous. Taking care of oneself means recognizing that your door cannot be always open for everyone all the time. You are not the fixer and rescuer. If we want to support someone, we also need to be aware if we are being genuinely supportive or enabling. Helping is not giving unsolicited advice when it's not asked for. Sometimes all someone needs is a safe space to vent and release their emotional energy. However, it's essential to recognize when venting becomes emotional dumping and when professional help is needed. Can you hold space for someone without being judgmental? Helping is also not rushing to console someone and alleviate their discomfort by telling them to look at the brighter side or listing all the positive aspects of their life. Sometimes, the most compassionate thing to do is to stay out of the way and let the person have the opportunity to learn from their decisions. Having said that, when a person does reach out or is not in a position to reach out but you're aware of their struggles, there are steps you can take to avoid an escalation: #ACCEPT, ACKNOWLEDGE, and APPRECIATE whatever they are sharing with you. Avoid giving advice. #VALIDATE their emotions. There is no right or wrong emotion. #OPEN UP conversation so they can OWN their experience without shame or blame. #SHOW INTEREST in what they are saying, even if you want to provide a solution. Don't rush. #DISCUSS what they wish to do and decide together on something small that works.
