ATTENTION: The discussion below includes talk of suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is having any suicidal ideation, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). People care about you.
Dictionary.com has removed the word “commit” in various references to suicide.
https://www.dictionary.com/e/mental-health-language/
And has the following recommendations for being aware of and helping those struggling with suicidal ideation:
- Adopt a nonjudgmental and open-minded attitude
- Show you care by listening actively, without interrupting or giving advice unless prompted
- Ask open-ended questions instead of “yes”-or-“no” questions to keep the conversation going
- Validate the feelings of the other person; it’s OK to not be OK, and sometimes just holding space for another to express themselves can be deeply comforting
Because I am so high functioning, it took me a long time to acknowledge having a mental illness. Talk it out. Below are some early Covid-era mental health suggestions (by early I mean under more stringent sheltering conditions), from Mental Health During Coronavirus (seizetheawkward.org):
- Engage in live streams – from your favorite yoga studio to your favorite artists
- Schedule virtual dinners or dance parties with friends
- Start a virtual book club
- Participate in online game nights
- Plan to watch television shows or movies at the same time and video chat to share reactions
- Enroll in remote learning classes or look up tutorials online
- Go on virtual museum tours together
- Share your favorite recipes or host a virtual cooking competition
- Try a home workout together
“Whatever Gets You Talking” | Seize the Awkward | Ad Council – YouTube