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I feel the need to say something that& #39;s not & #39;in my lane.& #39;
When media coverage of suicide rises, so do suicides.
Commentary on the @Oprah interview with the Sussexes has been lacking in compassion not only for them, but for anyone who has experienced suicidal ideas.
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When media coverage of suicide rises, so do suicides.
Commentary on the @Oprah interview with the Sussexes has been lacking in compassion not only for them, but for anyone who has experienced suicidal ideas.
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We can feel anxious about whether it& #39;s ok to ask about suicidal ideas. It is. It won& #39;t make suicide more likely.
"Do you feel so bad you& #39;d rather be dead?"
"Have you had thoughts of harming yourself?"
"Do you feel safe?"
Most people are relieved to be able totalk about it.
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"Do you feel so bad you& #39;d rather be dead?"
"Have you had thoughts of harming yourself?"
"Do you feel safe?"
Most people are relieved to be able totalk about it.
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Talking about suicide won& #39;t make it happen. Not talking about it makes it feel like a secret, something too bad to be discussed.
You don& #39;t have to fix anything.
"I can stay with you until you feel safe, or until we find someone to help you."
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You don& #39;t have to fix anything.
"I can stay with you until you feel safe, or until we find someone to help you."
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You don& #39;t need to know what to say. Just reach out. Offer companionship: texts, phone calls, in-person, whatever works.
"I& #39;m sorry things feel so bad." "You mean a lot to me." "I will listen if you& #39;d like to tell me about it." "What can I do right now that would help?"
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"I& #39;m sorry things feel so bad." "You mean a lot to me." "I will listen if you& #39;d like to tell me about it." "What can I do right now that would help?"
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If someone looks distressed, or is oddly preoccupied & unresponsive, in a dangerous place, simply making small-talk can burst the bubble of overwhelming suicidal thoughts. It can save a life.
"How are you?"
"What& #39;s your name?"
"Do you know where the bus stop is?"
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"How are you?"
"What& #39;s your name?"
"Do you know where the bus stop is?"
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Remember that @samaritans offers 24/7 telephone support on 116 123. If you are feeling unsafe and wondering who might help you, they are there.
Or call a pal. Or tell a colleague. You don& #39;t have to be on your own with this.
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Or call a pal. Or tell a colleague. You don& #39;t have to be on your own with this.
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There are helpful resources on @samaritans & @MindCharity websites. There& #39;s advice about how to help someone else too.
Samaritans also offer email support, via jo@samaritans.org
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Samaritans also offer email support, via jo@samaritans.org
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If the recent upsurge in criticism, opinion & focus on suicides is hurting you because you are bereaved by suicide, remember that you, too, have a right to support and compassion. If you don& #39;t want to call on family or friends, look at @goodgrieftrust for resources.
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If you know anyone who has been bereaved by suicide, now would be a good time to make contact. You won& #39;t be reminding them: they live with that memory every day. You& #39;ll only be reminding them that you remember too.
#SayTheirName
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#SayTheirName
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Even though this isn& #39;t & #39;my lane,& #39; I know there is a huge community of compassion here on Twitter.
Please pass on this set of practical actions.
Let& #39;s set up some helpful activity.
Let& #39;s listen.
Let& #39;s put #KindnessFirst.
End.
Please pass on this set of practical actions.
Let& #39;s set up some helpful activity.
Let& #39;s listen.
Let& #39;s put #KindnessFirst.
End.
PS: just for the readers-between-lines. There& #39;s no link between this any my other Tweets today. Please don& #39;t worry. I am ok, & my Village is looking after me and all those who are far sadder than I am.
Thank you all for your kindness today
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Thank you all for your kindness today
There are crisis and suicide prevention lines all around the world. This website has an alphabetical list. https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines">https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-h...
