A person who survives a suicide attempt requires significant care and support. Often concerned family members may not know what to do after a suicide attempt to best help their loved one recover and live a fulfilling life. If your loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts or has attempted suicide, reach out to Harmony Hills’ suicide prevention program.
By empathizing with the individual, understanding the risk factors for suicide, and guiding them toward quality healthcare, we can do our bit to help survivors. To learn more about our personalized attempted suicide recovery programs, call us at 855.494.0357.
What to Do After Your Loved One Attempts Suicide
Right after a suicide attempt, the individual might be in great emotional turmoil and/or physical danger. While some might feel relieved that their attempt failed, others might be confused, agitated, or determined to try again. Sometimes, they may need to be hospitalized and kept under strict supervision until their condition stabilizes. Thus, acting with caution and compassion is crucial when dealing with trauma survivors.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to helping trauma survivors, the following tips will guide you on what to do after a suicide attempt.
1. Seek Professional Help
The first and best thing you can do to help someone after a suicide attempt is to encourage them to seek professional treatment. Since they are extremely vulnerable, they need both medical and psychological care to get back on their feet.
If they have already been hospitalized, the next step is to find a qualified psychiatrist and enroll them in a personalized mental health treatment program.
2. Work Closely with a Qualified Therapist
For long-term healing, it is important to uncover the root causes of the suicide attempt. The person may be struggling with repressed trauma, depression, anxiety, or a mental health disorder that needs to be diagnosed and treated carefully.
An empathetic therapist or counselor can gently guide the survivor on the recovery path. Along with addressing their issues, the professional will also teach them effective coping skills and how to tackle difficult challenges and unexpected setbacks.
3. Live One Day at a Time
The period for attempted suicide recovery varies greatly from person to person. As a well-wisher, you must ensure that the healing process isn’t rushed and the survivor lives one day at a time, focusing on the present without worrying about their job, studies, or any daily duties.
There are many ways in which you can ensure they get adequate time to rest and recuperate, such as the following:
- keeping a gratitude journal
- practicing breathing and mindfulness techniques
- taking up a new hobby
- volunteering at an animal shelter
- joining a peer support group
By reminding the survivor that they are loved and not alone and that they have many reasons to keep on living, you can inspire them to stay committed to the recovery process.
Find Help and Healing at Harmony Hills
At Harmony Hills, we are determined to help people overcome their mental health disorders and live happy and successful lives. At our beautiful, sprawling Florida clinic, surrounded by forests and wildlife, we offer a home away from home where clients can slowly heal from their trauma and appreciate life again.
We pride ourselves in following a phased, evidence-based approach to healing. We utilize a mixture of residential treatment, life skills training, therapy sessions, and holistic programs to improve one’s physical health and emotional well-being.
Suicide is never the answer, and it is never too late to seek help. Call us at 855.494.0357 and take the first step towards a more beautiful life today. You can also fill out our online contact form and let us get back to you.
