Suicide thoughts and behaviour cont.
Approach sensitively. Understand that the young person may not want to talk with you. In this situation, offer to help them find someone else to talk to. Don’t leave the young person with no one to talk to. If you know the young person well, you may find writing a letter to them might help to start the conversation. Explain why you are worried. Tell the young person your concerns about them, describing behaviours that have caused you to be worried. Thank the young person for sitting with you and allowing you to express your concern with them – acknowledge the courage this takes. Ask about suicide directly. Unless someone tells you, the only way to know if they are thinking about suicide is to ask directly. Once you have noticed signs of suicide thoughts and/behaviours, ask “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” or “Are you thinking about ending your life?” Contrary to common belief, talking about suicide doesn’t encourage young people to carry out suicide. Rather, it signals that you care and opens up an opportunity for the young person to discuss their feelings and situation. It can be very difficult for a young person to acknowledge that they are thinking of suicide, and they may deny it when first asked (283). 3. Reassure the young person that help has been sought and that you will stay with them. 4. Try to find out what substances have been used, if any, and tell medical staff. The effects of some medicines taken in overdose take several hours to occur (sometimes over 24 hours). This means that even if the young person feels well you should still ensure that they seek medical help urgently. 5. Keep the person warm, especially if alcohol is involved.
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