Suicide prevention week 2023

At some point in our lives, we will all be concerned for someone we know. They might be a family member, a friend or a work colleague. They might even be someone we just happen to meet on a bus or train. We might notice they’re just ‘not themselves’, they may be a bit down or more withdrawn than normal, or in some situations their behaviour may noticeably give us reason to worry. When this happens, we might want to let them know that we are there for them when they need us. But what does ‘being there’ for someone look like? It can be quite as simple as remembering three words: Time Space Compassion.

• Offer them your time
• Give them the space to talk
• Show compassion

It can feel daunting when encouraging someone to open up and talk about how they are feeling. Many of us don’t know where to start. It’s important to remember that it’s not always about words or actions, creating a connection is just as important:

• Give them your time: don’t rush the conversation. You might find you don’t need to speak but listen to them. Stick with them over time as it may take a while for them to reach the point where they are ready to talk
• Give them the space to talk: this might be the physical space of having somewhere they feel comfortable, or the emotional space of them knowing you are with them to help them through whatever they are facing
• Show compassion: showing kindness, sensitivity and providing reassurance you will be there to support them throughout their journey can go a long way towards building a trusting relationship

These short animations provide further advice and tips on how to open conversations with individuals:

• Ask Tell – Save a Life: this animation explores the issue of suicide, including statistics and facts about suicide in Scotland. It helps to understand the signs that people may be thinking about suicide, and how and when to provide immediate help and support
• Ask Tell – Have a Healthy Conversation: This animation gives practical tips about how and when to have compassionate conversations with people who may be feeling suicidal or experiencing mental distress. It also provides information on how to get immediate help and support
• Ask Tell – Look After Your Mental Health: The animation explores what mental health is and that we all have mental health. Factors that can affect our mental health are explored, including how we can promote good mental health and respond compassionately to people who may be experiencing mental distress

Together we can create HOPE

When being there for others, it can take time to feel confident to encourage people to open up. These four simple steps can help us to do this. Just remember ‘HOPE’

• ‘H’ How we connect with the person, listen without judging or offering advice. Just be there for them
• ‘O’ Ourselves, being there for others can be emotionally challenging, we need to remember to also look after ourselves
• ‘P’ Practice, it might feel a bit uncomfortable at the beginning but the more we do it, the easier it will get
• ‘E’ Everyday, the more we encourage conversations, the easier it will get

It’s important when showing Time Space Compassion to others that you also show Time Space Compassion to yourself: reflect and rest so you feel prepared to support those who need it.