Get Help for Someone Else

Solace House works extensively with people who are struggling to cope with and help a suicidal family member or friend.

Someone reaching out to you who is suicidal can be shocking and worrying. It is very important to take them seriously, to be non-judgmental and minimize their distress. People who talk about suicide often go on to die by suicide, if they do not get the appropriate help and support they need. Understand that this person may not want to die, they may just want the pain to end. Knowing and understanding this can help you be a better support to the person in crisis.

If someone who is suicidal has reached out to you, you may be shocked or worried. Firstly, it’s important to take them seriously, to be nonjudgmental, and to not minimize their distress. Remember that people who talk about suicide often go on to commit suicide if they do not get the appropriate help and support they need. People who have suicide ideation often do not want to die, they may just want the pain to end and suicide seems, in their time of despair, to be the only option. Knowing and understanding this can help you be a better support to the person in crisis and to get them the professional help they need.

If you’re concerned a loved one may be suicidal, here are some basic steps you can take. If you have questions or are unsure about what to do, call Solace House to ask for help.

Recognize the signs.

A few key SIGNS of suicidal thoughts include:

• Sleep disturbance or erratic sleep patterns.

• Isolation or withdrawing from family and friends.

• Giving away possessions.

• No interest in anything or feelings of depression, hopelessness, loss of energy, change in appetite.

• Speaking of no future or talking about suicide.

Connect them to professional help.

Call Solace House at 718-482-0001 to speak with our trained intake staff for more information and make an appointment. You can also reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or NYC Well at 1-888-692-9355. If you feel there is imminent danger, we strongly encourage going to your nearest emergency room.

Information and counseling

Family support is offered with the focus on psychoeducation about suicide prevention; warning signs of suicide; tips on how best to respond to the suicidal person; information about how to get help in the event of a suicide crisis; and making the most of the support system the family already has in place.

Focus on coping

This is not the time to discuss what might be happening with your friend or family member, but rather, a time to learn how to cope with the situation.

Support for you

During the course of family support sessions, if the participant/s reveals that they have suicidal ideation or a plan, an assessment will be conducted and the participant will be linked to a therapist for their own suicide prevention counseling services.

True transparency

Anyone seeking help for suicide ideation or self-harm is our first priorty. Should a family member or friend request services, we will inform you. If you object to the family member/friend accessing support services, we will respect your wishes and make a referral to another program for help.