How To Hold

Space For
Suicide TalkPrint or Write This Down

If you or someone you know is ideating, attempting,

or needing support with death by suicide

Dial "9-8-8" or text "Talk" to 741741

to access the suicide + crisis hotline -

please know this will connect you with local police
+ system services which may not be the best option for everyone

@helpstopthesilence @hopefortheday @projectlets

@cait.deatheducation
www.deathbysuicideawarecare.com
Reserve a time and place to listen; nothing formal just carve out time
and space.
Show up grounded (neutral with your emotions) and present; actively
listening and being in your body rather than thinking about what has
to get done later or what you are going to have for dinner, etc.
Set a boundary for how much time you will spend listening. If the
person needs to finish sooner, that is okay, and respect that need.
Let the person know you are opening up the space to listen and
without judgement; and because of this openness you know they
most likely will share vulnerable feelings and experiences.
When they share these vulnerable feelings and experiences stay
grounded in what you are told. *It is not your information to wear like
a coat, rather, to hold like an egg*
Your role is to listen to understand rather than listen to respond. Ask
follow-up questions when you do not understand something they've
shared or to extend more openness to the space you are holding.
Give them the option to answer or not.
If silent moments pop-up (and we hope they do!) allow them to be
there. Do not try to fill the silence in with words; often this allows the
person more time to think/process/and come with what they'd like to
say. It is, also, said that ancient parts of our brain are activated in
silence.
Be gentle with yourself if you feel like you may have not said "the right
thing". Be gentle with yourself if the person you are talking to
becomes triggered. This is seen as centering yourself and,
respectfully, you are not the topic of conversation.
Simply being willing to stay, to be, to listen, to bear witness will
undoubtedly save lives.
Because you will be grounded and present you will not need to worry
about overwhelm, intense crying, or reacting in away that could be
upsetting for yourself or the other person. If emotions rise up as you
are sharing in this space it does not mean you are not grounded but is
an indicator as to thoughts and feelings and can be noted.
When finishing, set a time and space to talk again; this is important.
You can, also, ask them, "What's the best time of day for you and I will
text/call and touch base".
@cait.deatheducation
www.deathbysuicideawarecare.com