World Suicide Prevention Day: Five Tips to Address the Topic Empathetically

World Suicide Prevention Day: Five Tips to Address the Topic Empathetically


The World Health Organization recommends talking carefully about the topic and lists five behaviors to adopt; check

This Tuesday (10) is marked by the World Suicide Prevention Day. And many people choose not to talk about the topic because it is very sensitive. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests addressing the topic on a daily basis, whether in schools, workplaces or social networks. However, how to do it is what people are most unsure about. We have therefore collected some advice shared by the organization to talk about it. Check it out:




Don’t romanticize or dramatize

First, suicide cases should not be romanticized or dramatized. When recounting the incident, spare the details. Avoid describing how or where it happened, as this can cause what is called a contagion effect. That is, when vulnerable people who hear the story are at risk of being influenced.

Be careful with the terms you use

Out of respect for the victim, choose your words carefully, because if you say that someone committed suicide, for example, you are giving the person an accusatory tone. Instead, use the expression died by suicide. This will give you a more empathetic approach to the situation.

Offer a solution

Since it is not always possible to know what is going on in the mind of the person listening to the conversation, it presents a healthy way out. Mention that you can seek help through therapies and also contact the Hot line (CVV), by telephone 188available 24 hours a day, free of charge.

Show the signs

It is important to keep an eye not only on the signs that your physical and mental state gives you, but also on the behavior of others. Changes in sleep or appetite, sudden changes in behavior (for example, someone who is normally melancholic becomes happy for no apparent reason or some event in life causes the person to be sad for longer than usual), diagnoses of depression and phrases such as “I can’t take it anymore” or “I want to disappear”. And, in the case of children, it is worth keeping an eye on bullying and school performance. If your grades drop sharply, it could be a sign.

Remember the emotional pain

Don’t ignore or belittle anyone’s feelings. Always keep in mind that emotional pain is real and not a fluke. If someone wants to vent to you, welcome them and listen, without making judgments or accusations. Many times, someone just needs a shoulder and comfort.

Source: Terra

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