The week of September 28th during National Suicide Prevention Month is focused on one of the five action steps of communicating with someone who may be suicidal. The fifth action step is following up.
How to Follow Up
After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call.
The follow-up step is a great time to check in with them to see if there is more you are capable of helping with or if there are things you’ve said you would do and haven’t yet had the chance to get done for the person.
This type of contact can continue to increase their feelings of connectedness and share your ongoing support. Similar to the step of ‘be there’ during physical distancing, setting aside a time and date that you will follow up can provide something to look forward to and sends the message that you care. Be sure to clear your calendar of all distractions for the time. Never underestimate the value of showing up.
