How To Manage Suicide Attempt

Introduction: A Critical Situation That Requires Compassionate Action

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or has attempted suicide, it’s crucial to understand that immediate intervention and support are necessary. A suicide attempt is a cry for help, a manifestation of deep emotional pain, and it’s important to address it with compassion, urgency, and support.

While you may feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do, it's essential to remember that help is available, and you don’t have to face this alone. Whether you’re directly involved in a suicide attempt or supporting someone else who is in crisis, there are clear steps you can take to ensure safety and begin the path toward recovery.

In this guide, we will outline immediate actions to take when someone is at risk of suicide, ways to provide long-term support, and available resources. We’ll also discuss the importance of mental health treatment, emotional support, and the role of faith and community in healing.

Immediate Actions When Facing a Suicide Attempt

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

The first priority is always safety. If a person has attempted suicide or is in immediate danger, do not wait. Time is of the essence.

Call Emergency Services: In New Zealand, dial 111 immediately if someone is at risk of suicide or has made an attempt. This ensures that the person gets the professional medical attention they need as quickly as possible. If you're unsure whether the situation is life-threatening, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help.
Stay with the Person: If you’re able to, stay with the person until help arrives. Offer a calming presence and let them know they are not alone. Avoid making judgments or trying to immediately fix their situation.
Remove Harmful Objects: If you are in a situation where someone is still in immediate danger, safely remove any dangerous items (sharp objects, medications, etc.) that could cause harm. However, do not attempt to physically restrain them, as this could escalate the situation.

2. Offer Compassion and Non-Judgmental Support

Suicidal thoughts are often rooted in feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and isolation. One of the most important actions you can take is to offer compassionate, non-judgmental support.

Listen Actively: Allow the person to express their feelings without interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Saying, "I’m here for you," can make a huge difference in easing their emotional burden.
Avoid Judgment: Understand that suicidal thoughts are not a reflection of weakness or failure. It’s essential to avoid any comments that could make the person feel ashamed or more isolated, such as “You have so much to live for” or “Think of your family.”
Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their pain by saying things like, “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you right now,” or “You’re not alone, and I’m here to help.”

3. Seek Professional Help Immediately

Once immediate safety has been addressed, the next critical step is to ensure the person receives professional care.

Mental Health Services: Reach out to Lifeline New Zealand (0800 543 354) or the Suicide Crisis Helpline (0508 828 865) for guidance on immediate next steps. These organizations offer 24/7 support and can connect you with a mental health professional.
Psychiatric Evaluation: In cases of suicide attempts or deep suicidal ideation, a psychiatric evaluation is necessary to assess the level of risk and determine the appropriate level of care. This may involve hospitalization, therapy, or other forms of intensive mental health support.

Post-Crisis: Long-Term Strategies for Recovery

1. Create a Support Network

After the immediate crisis has passed, long-term healing begins. Recovery from a suicide attempt often involves a combination of mental health support, spiritual care, and social connections.

Professional Counseling and Therapy: Engaging in therapy with a licensed professional can help the person process their emotions, uncover underlying causes of suicidal thoughts, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are two effective therapeutic approaches for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Spiritual Guidance: For those who are religious, speaking to a priest, pastor, or spiritual mentor can provide comfort, support, and guidance. Faith communities offer a sense of belonging and spiritual healing, often playing a key role in long-term recovery.
Social Support: Encourage the person to connect with family members, friends, and support groups. Isolation can worsen feelings of depression and anxiety, so maintaining relationships is crucial for healing.

2. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Once the crisis has passed, it's important to work on building healthy coping mechanisms that can help the person manage stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions moving forward.

Exercise and Physical Activity: Physical activity has been shown to boost mood and alleviate stress. Regular exercise, even light activities like walking or yoga, can be part of a healthy routine for recovery.
Healthy Daily Rhythms: Establishing regular routines for sleep, meals, and daily activities can provide structure and help reduce feelings of chaos or overwhelm.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer guided sessions specifically designed to reduce stress and anxiety.

3. Develop a Safety Plan

For people who have attempted suicide or are at risk, developing a safety plan with a mental health professional is crucial. This plan includes:

Warning Signs: Identifying early warning signs of distress or thoughts of suicide.
Emergency Contacts: Listing trusted individuals (family, friends, or mental health professionals) who can be contacted during moments of crisis.
Coping Strategies: Developing coping strategies and healthy outlets (journaling, breathing exercises, etc.) to turn to when feeling overwhelmed.

Spiritual Support: Integrating Faith into Healing

For many, spiritual care is an essential aspect of recovery. It provides hope, meaning, and comfort in the midst of pain and can be integrated alongside professional treatment.

1. Prayer and Scripture

For Christians, prayer can be an immediate source of peace and connection to God. Scriptures such as Psalm 34:18 ("The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit") and Matthew 11:28 ("Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest") can provide solace and reassurance.

2. The Role of Sacraments (Catholic Perspective)

For Catholics, the Sacraments can play a vital role in healing and restoration. The Sacrament of Confession offers a way to experience God’s grace and forgiveness, and Anointing of the Sick can bring spiritual and physical healing.

3. Christian Counseling

Integrating faith-based counseling with mental health therapy can be particularly helpful for those who want to address their spiritual and emotional struggles together. Christian counselors often incorporate prayer and Scripture alongside therapeutic practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

What to Do Next: Seeking Support and Taking Action

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it’s vital to reach out immediately for help. Here are some immediate actions:

Call Lifeline New Zealand (0800 543 354) or the Suicide Crisis Helpline (0508 828 865) for support and guidance.
Contact a priest, pastor, or counselor to receive spiritual and emotional support.
Reach out to trusted friends or family members for comfort and reassurance.

Suicide Prevention: Resources in New Zealand

If you or someone you love is at immediate risk, call 111 for emergency support. Lifeline New Zealand (0800 543 354) and Suicide Crisis Helpline (0508 828 865) are available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance. You are not alone—help is just a phone call away.

Conclusion: There is Hope

A suicide attempt is a painful expression of emotional distress, but it is not the end of the story. With the right support, healing is possible. Jesus understands our pain and offers comfort, peace, and grace. By seeking professional help, building a supportive community, and incorporating faith-based practices, it is possible to find healing and purpose.

Remember, you are valued, and there is always hope. If you are struggling, please reach out for support today. You don’t have to face this alone—help is available.

Disclaimer: This article provides pastoral guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult healthcare providers for professional mental health treatment and support.