Question
My Role as a Helper In general, I hope to be able to help a person with suicide thoughts by: __ connecting them with someone who can help them. __ helping them keep safe -for-now, then letting others take over. __ helping with safety now and then offering to support the main caregiver. __ helping with safety now and continuing to help as the main caregiver.
Solution
3.2
(225 Votes)
Garland
Master ยท Tutor for 5 years
Answer
Those are all excellent goals, and reflect a compassionate and helpful approach. It's important to remember that as a helper, your primary role is to **bridge the gap** between the person in crisis and professional help. You are not expected to be a therapist or a long-term solution.Let's break down each approach:* **Connecting them with someone who can help them:** This is the most crucial role. You are a lifeline, connecting the person to resources like a crisis hotline, mental health professional, or emergency services. This is often the most effective way to help.* **Helping them keep safe -for-now, then letting others take over:** This is a realistic and valuable contribution. You can provide immediate support and ensure their safety in the short term while professionals are contacted and take over. This might involve staying with them, removing potential means of harm, or simply listening and validating their feelings.* **Helping with safety now and then offering to support the main caregiver:** This demonstrates ongoing support. After the initial crisis, offering practical help to the caregiver, such as running errands or providing respite care, can be incredibly beneficial. This allows the caregiver to focus on the person in need.* **Helping with safety now and continuing to help as the main caregiver:** This approach requires careful consideration. While admirable, becoming the primary caregiver can be a significant undertaking. It's essential to assess your own capacity and resources before committing to this level of involvement. It's crucial to ensure you don't become overwhelmed, as this could negatively impact both you and the person you're trying to help. Remember, supporting the main caregiver (perhaps a family member) is often more sustainable in the long run.**Key takeaway:** Your role as a helper is vital, but it's about facilitating professional help and providing immediate support. Prioritize connecting the person to appropriate resources and ensuring their safety. Be realistic about your capacity for long-term involvement and consider how you can best support the overall caregiving effort.