The Little Blue Book

So, if you’re worried, ask: “Are you thinking of suicide?” And, no, asking the question WON’T give them the idea if it isn’t already there. There are larger and stronger negative forces at work inside a person considering suicide than any simple direct question you might ask. You WON’T make them suicidal by extending the arm of friendship, by showing you care for them, by asking after their wellbeing. But you WILL open the opportunity for the person to talk about how they are feeling, to give them a chance to express the inner grief – this private pain, the sense of hopelessness and all that sits around it – that they carry. (Look after yourself. Sometimes the act of giving help can itself be traumatic. If you are assisting someone with troubled thoughts and encouraging them to seek help, look after your own health and wellbeing by also reaching out for support, advice and counselling.) WHAT SHOULD YOU DO, AND NOT DO, IF SOMEONE MAY BE THINKING OF SUICIDE? If you think a co-worker (or family member or someone near to you) may be contemplating suicide, don’t ignore it and don’t avoid talking about it (though it may be difficult for you): • But, DO ask them straight up, “Are you thinking of suicide?” • DO ask them if they are seeing a doctor or taking medication − If the answer is “no”, you may need to act quickly if you are to help keep them safe. Ask if you can call a family member or friend, or their GP, or help them find a mental health professional (and offer to go with them) − If the answer is “yes”, encourage them to call “right now” for an appointment (and offer to go with them) • DON’T belittle negative feelings the person may express: “Hey, you worry about things too much, it’s surely not that bad?” (For the person weighed down with sadness and helplessness, it is “that bad”.) • AndDON’T bemoralistic and judgmental: “You’re not thinking of taking the easy way out are you?” (Taking amoralistic high- ground simply tells the sufferer how little you understand.) DO take the signs seriously; DO take what they say seriously. You DO need to act if you are to help them. Don’t leave them alone; stay with them until they’ve made contact with professional help (keeping them company will keep them safe) and call for the assistance of family or friends. If you feel the danger to their wellbeing is extreme, call Triple Zero (000) or take them to emergency care. 107 ADA Australia PostScript Section 2 Section 1 Section 3