Young Women

How can I support someone who has survived a suicide attempt?

Just like anyone else, suicide attempt survivors need to feel love from their Heavenly Father and hope through the atoning power of Jesus Christ. They also need to feel that they belong within the Church and their community. Feeling these things will strengthen their resolve to live and avoid another attempt.

As a loved one or ward member, you can play an important role in the recovery of a suicide attempt survivor. As you seek to offer help, be compassionate, sincere, and sensitive (see 1 Peter 3:8). Heavenly Father knows what will be most helpful, so be prayerful. If you are part of a ward council, consider how members of the ward and stake can help and strengthen the person. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you offer support:

  • It is their story. Allow attempt survivors to disclose their challenges in their own time and to the people they choose. Do not be offended if they decline your invitations to share.
  • Be yourself. Talk with attempt survivors in the same way you did before the attempt. Offer to listen if they want to talk. Don’t minimize their pain or compare their experience to someone else’s, including your own.
  • Believe that recovery is possible. While recovery from an attempt may be difficult, it is always possible, but it often takes time to heal. Remember that our life on earth includes times of learning and growing, and these times often include difficulty and pain that must be worked through. As you strive to help someone, be patient and understanding of their unique needs while they are recovering. Never forget that individuals can become healthier and stronger mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
  • Practice good self-care. Make time to care for your own spiritual, physical, mental, and social health. Increase your faith by studying the scriptures and attending the temple. Eat healthy foods, exercise, and get enough sleep so that you will have physical and emotional strength. Visit mentalhealth.lds.org for more ideas.

Church and Community Resources

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