Sharing – Things People Said to Me About Suicide That Caused More Harm Than Good
What Gaby has to say about things you’d be better off not saying is good, but this last statement is 100% true –
“Most of the time, the only thing you have to do is be there. Most of the time, your only job is to be you, a fellow human being who is not afraid of engaging in a meaningful connection.”
We know that a lack of connection is actually an indicator of the likelihood of suicidal thoughts, so if you’re going to do anything that might be effective make it something that creates a connection.
It isn’t a long-term solution, but without a short-term solution, they won’t get to any long-term ones. People need to know that someone, anyone, is with them as they try to find the long-term solution. That’s all you have to do, keep them connected to you, and others, as much as possible.
But also, as I said earlier, read about all the things that aren’t helping too.
