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| How You Can Help |
- Check on the preson frequently
- Remove potentially harmful items
- Don't scold or criticize
- Don't moralize or give advice
- Don't taunt the person or dare her or him to act
- Encourage her or him to talk about her or his feelings
- Be willing to listen without passing judgement
- Help her or him to identify and mobilize a support system
- Set firm limits on behavior that will be permitted
- Demonstrate a confident, "take charge" attitude
- Ask the person directly about suicidal feelings or plans
- Let the person know that you are worried and that you care
- Help the person to think of other options to solve the problem
- Urge the person to seek professional help
- Encourage him or her to explore new ways of coping with stress
- Encourage him or her to avoid illegal drugs, alcohol and caffeine
- Encourage him or her to sleep well, eat well and exercise
- Do not let a "No Harm Contract" lull you into assuming that
the person is safe.
- Avoid empty reassurances, such as "It's okay," or "Things
will get better soon."
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