R U OK day - how to talk about suicide
Dec. 19th, 2009 03:40 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sunlit_musicHi everyone,
Check this website out:
http://www.ruokday.com.au/p_How_To_Have_A_Conversation.aspx
r u OK day is held on November 29th, 2009. It is an annual national day of action that aims to get Australians, right across the entire spectrum of society, connecting with friends and loved ones, by reaching out to anyone doing it tough and simply asking: “Are you ok?”
Why start a conversation? Research shows talking about suicide with someone at risk actually reduces the chances of them taking their life. It is the one thing we can all do to make a real difference. R U OK?Day is about prevention, preventing little problems turning into big problems. So it is not just about asking those at immediate risk.
The lj cut contains tips from Lifeline on how to talk about suicide with other people. Please read. You could end up saving a life if you use this advice.
Lifeline has developed these Five Top Tips to assist you to connect with other people:
1. Be receptive
Take the lead, show initiative and ask: “Are you OK?”
Put the invitation out there: “I’ve got time to talk”
Maintain eye contact and sit in a relaxed position – positive body language will help you both feel more comfortable
Often just spending time with the person lets them know you care and can help you understand what they’re going through
2. Use ice breakers to initiate a conversation
Use open-ended questions such as “So tell me about...?”, which require more than a “yes” or “no” answer
You may also like to use the following questions to start a conversation:
“You know, I've noticed that you've seemed really down/worried/stressed for a long time now. Is there anyone you've been able to talk to about it?”
“Lots of people go through this sort of thing. Getting help will make it easier”
“I hate to see you struggling on your own. There are people that can help. Have you thought of visiting your doctor?”
4. Be encouraging
Encourage physical health. Maintaining regular exercise, a nutritious diet and getting regular sleep helps to cope in tough times
Encourage the person to seek professional help from their family doctor, a support service or counsellor, or a mental health worker
Encourage self-care. Sometimes people need to be encouraged to do more to look after their own needs during a difficult time
Websites and organisations that provide more information relating to these topics include:
Lifeline Australia: www.lifeline.org.au
BeyondBlue: www.beyondblue.org.au
Reach Out: http://www.reachout.com
SANE Australia: www.sane.org
Kids Helpline: www.kidshelpline.com.au
Check this website out:
http://www.ruokday.com.au/p_How_To_Have_A_Conversation.aspx
r u OK day is held on November 29th, 2009. It is an annual national day of action that aims to get Australians, right across the entire spectrum of society, connecting with friends and loved ones, by reaching out to anyone doing it tough and simply asking: “Are you ok?”
Why start a conversation? Research shows talking about suicide with someone at risk actually reduces the chances of them taking their life. It is the one thing we can all do to make a real difference. R U OK?Day is about prevention, preventing little problems turning into big problems. So it is not just about asking those at immediate risk.
The lj cut contains tips from Lifeline on how to talk about suicide with other people. Please read. You could end up saving a life if you use this advice.
Lifeline has developed these Five Top Tips to assist you to connect with other people:
1. Be receptive
Take the lead, show initiative and ask: “Are you OK?”
Put the invitation out there: “I’ve got time to talk”
Maintain eye contact and sit in a relaxed position – positive body language will help you both feel more comfortable
Often just spending time with the person lets them know you care and can help you understand what they’re going through
2. Use ice breakers to initiate a conversation
Use open-ended questions such as “So tell me about...?”, which require more than a “yes” or “no” answer
You may also like to use the following questions to start a conversation:
“You know, I've noticed that you've seemed really down/worried/stressed for a long time now. Is there anyone you've been able to talk to about it?”
“Lots of people go through this sort of thing. Getting help will make it easier”
“I hate to see you struggling on your own. There are people that can help. Have you thought of visiting your doctor?”
4. Be encouraging
Encourage physical health. Maintaining regular exercise, a nutritious diet and getting regular sleep helps to cope in tough times
Encourage the person to seek professional help from their family doctor, a support service or counsellor, or a mental health worker
Encourage self-care. Sometimes people need to be encouraged to do more to look after their own needs during a difficult time
Websites and organisations that provide more information relating to these topics include:
Lifeline Australia: www.lifeline.org.au
BeyondBlue: www.beyondblue.org.au
Reach Out: http://www.reachout.com
SANE Australia: www.sane.org
Kids Helpline: www.kidshelpline.com.au
