Let’s be clear: everyone’s healing journey is different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with a suicide attempt. There are, however, some steps you can take to support your loved one as they endeavor to find balanced mental health and distance themselves from another potentially fatal ordeal.

As we observe National Suicide Prevention 2024, we’re reminded of the tens of thousands of individuals and families each year who are impacted by the devastating finality of this mental health epidemic. We’re also compelled to remember that those who are able to survive an attempt have a long road ahead of them in reclaiming their mental health. The aftermath of a suicide attempt leaves everyone involved in a high state of alert, and loved ones are left with urgent questions and can feel lost regarding how to prevent another.

Stay as Calm as Possible

This is obviously easier said than done. While keeping an even keel in this situation can be extremely difficult, staying calm keeps you focused on finding out “what happened” and the likelihood of it happening again. Being judgmental, confrontational, or alarmist gets in the way of constructive dialogue and a solutions-oriented plan of action.

Don’t “Other” or Alienate

This might sound obvious, but an event like this can cast someone in a new light, particularly if the signs were missed and the event seemed to come from nowhere. Nevertheless, it’s important to realize that your loved one is still the same person, and they need your support more than ever. Treating them differently may unintentionally signal that you can no longer relate to them and cause them to isolate even further.

Don’t Try to “Fix” Them

It’s easy to feel like we have to solve this problem all on our own, but we can’t, and we have to accept that. We can rally around them, provide support on whatever level possible, and guide them toward the help they need, but we have to recognize that, at some point, they need help that we can’t provide.

Focus on What You CAN Do

Talk to them, be there for them, educate yourself on their mental health conditions, and let them know you’re an ally. Let them know they can always call you and check in with them when they don’t. Read books and articles on suicidal behavior and prevention, and talk to mental health experts to enrich your education so you can provide more substantial support.

Be Involved In Their Treatment and Recovery Plan

For someone who has survived a suicide attempt, plans for treatment and recovery should start immediately, whether it’s an inpatient or outpatient mental health program or ongoing therapy from a psychiatrist or therapist. You are uniquely empowered to help your loved one access treatment. Talk to them openly about their mental health issues, help them research their treatment options, provide whatever logistical support you can, and check in frequently regarding their progress and ongoing support needs. You can also ask their doctors and therapists how you can help them more in their everyday recovery.

Be A Healthy Constant

One of the main drivers of suicidal ideation and attempts is a sense of isolation and loneliness. Taking an interest in your loved one’s daily life and encouraging them to be the best version of themselves helps them feel like they’re part of something worth staying alive for. Encourage them to eat right, get proper sleep, and exercise.

Help them find ways to make their recovery more manageable, such as reducing their workload, allowing others to help them with daily responsibilities, and socializing with supportive people. Actively encourage them to practice self-care and, if necessary, engage in these activities with them, whether it’s meditation, nature walks, listening to music, or anything that brings them joy.

Recognize and Validate Your Own Feelings

There is no question that a loved one’s suicide attempt is a traumatic event, and it’s important that you take the time to effectively process the impact it had on your own mental health. In addition to being there for your loved one, make sure you’re giving yourself the proper time, space, and resources to heal. Remember that the best way to show up for others is to show up as the best version of yourself.

We’re Ready to Partner with You to Help Your Loved One

Recovery Unplugged offers compassionate, comprehensive, and supportive mental health treatment at many of your locations. We’ve helped many families heal in the aftermath of a suicide attempt by providing personalized care for the underlying conditions that triggered the event. Our doctors and therapists offer multiple techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and other modalities to help your loved one reclaim their peace of mind and mental health.