Supporting someone who feels suicidal can be emotionally draining and really tough and it’s important to look after yourself too. It can be hard to understand or accept that someone close to you feels suicidal. You may feel helpless, powerless, angry, sad, shocked, frightened or a whole range of other emotions unique to your own experience. There’s no right or wrong way to feel. Some people feel they are to blame if someone they care for feels suicidal, or doesn’t feel any better, but it’s important not to blame yourself for what is happening. If you have these sorts of worries, it could help to talk to someone about how you are feeling. That could be a; Friend or family member. Helpline or Online community Talking therapy Peer support group for Carers There’s no right or wrong way to look after yourself. After all – we’re all different. However, when supporting someone else it can be really important to take some time for yourself and ensure that at least some time during your day focuses on yourself rather than who you’re worried about – particularly if the person you are supporting lives with you. It can help your own wellbeing to: Make time for yourself – Find time to relax or do something you enjoy each day. It is not selfish to take time to look after yourself – it is essential. Look after yourself physically – Eat well and get some exercise where you can. Where possible stick to existing exercise routines or classes. Sleep well – If sleeping has become a problem you can try a variety of Apps to help or speak to your GP for help. The quality of our sleep has a significant impact on how we feel and cope with life’s challenges. Stay organised – Supporting someone who is suicidal can be like a rollercoaster and other parts of your life can sometimes become neglected. Stick to any helpful social and physical routines where you can, and try writing down jobs you need to do, or things you don’t want to forget, to keep on top of your life. Get help – It can be very isolating supporting someone with thoughts of suicide, and sometimes, due to the stigma or shame attached to the issue, people might find it hard to share with others what they’re going through. But there is support out there through Friends or family members, Helpline or Online communities, Talking therapies or Peer support group for Carers. See our resource section for more details www.every-life-matters.org.uk Be realistic – You cannot fix people’s problems and there are limits to what you can do to help. Give what you can of your time, your attention and your practical support alongside empowering the person you care for to seek out and engage in other available support. Keep perspective – Keep sight of the whole person you are supporting, not just there suicidal thoughts, and try to keep doing the things together that you enjoy. Safety Plan – Support the person you care for to develop a Safety Plan so they can begin to take control of their own situation and identify a range of tools and support, and things they can do to help themselves, around them to help manage the thoughts of suicide.