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Supporting someone that is struggling. Tana Nash Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council. How are you feeling?. It’s ok …. Setting boundaries and limits is ok If you get it wrong. It takes practice Know your limitations . How to support your loved one. Show compassion
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Supporting someone that is struggling Tana Nash Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council
It’s ok …. • Setting boundaries and limits is ok • If you get it wrong. It takes practice • Know your limitations
How to support your loved one • Show compassion • - be willing to hear about their suffering as an equal with a desire to help and without judgment.
Ask your loved one how to best support them • How can I be helpful? • What do you need from me? • What do you find helpful and not helpful? • How do you want to be treated? • How will I know when I should intervene? • How do you know when you are not safe? • What helps you to cope? • Rating scales can help
Who to talk to … • It’s difficult and frightening • If you can’t talk to your loved one about thoughts of suicide, identify who they can talk to
From people with lived experience • Include me – don’t talk about me like I am not there • “We are not untreatable, we are not a lost cause” • “If I swear at you, don’t take it personally” • “I am more than my illness. I still like to do other things”
Education for yourself • Family Education Series • Support Groups • Books/websites/conferences – e.g. Family Conference • Stand up for Mental Health • Safe Talk/ASIST training • Counselling • Compassion Fatigue
Self Care • Humour • Yoga, meditation • Music, dancing, • Hobbies • Aroma therapy –lavender • Play! • Journaling • Change your environment – change your routine