How to Coach Yourself and Others Empowering Coaching And Crisis Interventions | Page 150

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What do people who feel suicidal want?
Someone to listen. Someone who will take time to really listen to them. Someone who won't judge, or give
advice or opinions, but will give their undivided attention.
Someone to trust. Someone who will respect them and won't try to take charge. Someone who will treat
everything in complete confidence.
Someone to care. Someone who will make themselves available, put the person at ease and speak calmly.
Someone who will reassure, accept and believe. Someone who will say, "I care."
What do people who feel suicidal not want?
To be alone. Rejection can make the problem seem ten times worse. Having someone to turn to makes all the
difference. Just listen.
To be advised. Lectures don't help. Nor does a suggestion to "cheer up", or an easy assurance that "everything
will be okay." Don't analyze, compare, categorize or criticize. Just listen.
To be interrogated. Don't change the subject, don't pity or patronize. Talking about feelings is difficult. People
who feel suicidal don't want to be rushed or put on the defensive.
Just listen in a caring and non-judgmental way and you will be an invaluable resource to people who feel they
have nowhere els RF