Mental health matters: How to help someone struggling in silence
How to help someone struggling in silence
When someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide, the warning signs are not always obvious. While talking about wanting to die or expressing feelings of hopelessness are signs to take seriously, changes in behavior, mood or daily routines may also indicate that someone needs help.
“Sometimes the signs that a person is struggling can be subtle, especially when they are trying to hide what they are experiencing,” Jodalynn Warholak, MSW, manager of the Psychiatric Admissions Department at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “It’s important to look at the whole picture rather than focusing on just one action. If someone’s usual behavior or mood is noticeably different from what is normal for them, that change is worth paying attention to and shouldn’t be dismissed as simply having a bad day.”
Some signs are easy to miss
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, making it an important time to recognize some of the less obvious warning signs and learn how to respond when someone may be struggling.
One potential warning sign is withdrawing from family, friends or activities a person normally enjoys. Someone who once regularly socialized, participated in hobbies or stayed connected with others may begin avoiding those activities or spending significantly more time alone.
Changes in everyday routines can also be meaningful. Significant changes in sleeping or eating habits, neglecting personal responsibilities or suddenly losing interest in work, school or activities may indicate that someone is experiencing emotional distress.
Another warning sign can be giving away possessions or putting personal affairs in order. While these actions do not necessarily mean someone is suicidal, they can be concerning when they occur alongside other changes in behavior or mood.
One particularly confusing sign can occur when someone who has been visibly distressed suddenly seems calm or unusually at peace. While this may sometimes reflect genuine improvement, a sudden change in mood following a period of severe distress should not automatically be assumed to mean the crisis has passed.
Start the conversation
Friends and family members do not need to be mental health experts to offer support. If you are concerned about someone, start a conversation, listen without judgment and let them know you are there to help. It is also appropriate to ask directly whether they are thinking about suicide. Asking the question does not create suicidal thoughts; instead, it can provide an opportunity for someone to talk openly about what they are experiencing.
“Trust your instincts if you are concerned about someone,” said Warholak. “You don’t have to have the perfect words or know exactly what to do. Listening, staying connected and helping that person find professional support can make an important difference.”
Help is available
Recognizing the warning signs is an important first step. By paying attention to changes, starting conversations and helping people connect with care, we can all play a role in suicide prevention.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, help is available. Penn Highlands Behavioral Health staff is trained to not only help the person at risk of suicide but also their family and friends. Penn Highlands Healthcare offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient behavioral and mental health services at locations throughout Pennsylvania. To learn more, please visit www.phhealthcare.org/bhs.
In an immediate emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. You also can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.