Assumption: You can’t help someone who is suicidal if you’ve never felt that way yourself

Assumption: You can’t help someone who is suicidal if you’ve never felt that way yourself
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Why that’s wrong: While it is true that it is harder to empathise with a person when you haven’t ever felt similar thoughts, it doesn’t mean that you are incapable of helping. You can’t say you know what it feels like, but you can say that you’re there to listen and to try. You can help give the suicidal person the courage to seek professional help. Speaking from personal experience, just having someone say “I’m here for you” is a huge relief.

If you or someone you know has had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, visit lifeline.org.au or call their hotline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or in New Zealand, visit lifeline.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354) or text HELP (4357) for free support.

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Source: RD.com

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