Knowing how to support someone with suicidal thoughts and behaviours... a mental health first aider's experience.
Ewan was phoned by his cousin Joseph. Joseph starts talking about the family and asks how some members are going. Ewan has the feeling that Joseph is not listening to his answers and has something on his mind. He asks Joseph how he is and Joseph replies that he is no sick leave for a few weeks. Ewan asks what is happening to Joseph and is told 'I can't think clearly, that's why I have to take leave from work'. Ewan thought this a strange answer and asked, 'what is it you can't think clearly about?' Joseph replied, 'I'm just completely stressed out.' 'I'm overwhelmed and can't see any way out of my problems.'
Ewan is a mental health first aider and begins to wonder if Joseph is having suicidal thoughts and behaviours. He asks Joseph straight out, 'Are you thinking of suicide?' Joseph says, 'Yes, I can't go on. I'm gay and Mum and Dad will never accept it. I love them and can't let them down like this.'
Ewan checked with Joseph about plans and means of suicide. Joseph did not have either but Ewan knew that didn't mean he would not suicide. Ewan asked if Joseph had told anyone else about his sexuality and/or his thoughts of suicide and Joseph said 'no, I can't tell anyone else.'
Ewan asked if Joseph was alone, and found that he was, Ewan asked if he could come over and talk with him face to face. Joseph was reluctant but agreed.
Ewan went to Joseph and sat with him. He listened to Joseph's fears of letting his parents down. Not getting married as his Mum dreamed, not having grand-children to carry on the family name as his Dad wanted.
Ewan asked Joseph if he had tried to get support through the LGBTIQ community? Joseph said he hadn't thought of it. Ewan said that he couldn't be the first person going through this and he thought the LGBTIQ community had lots of resources to assist people in the position that Joseph found himself in. Ewan stated that he looked forward to a future when Joseph had a partner and maybe a family (as many LGBTIQ couples do). Joseph was able to have a little laugh and dream about this.
They then talked about getting assitance for Joseph's suicidal thoughts. Ewan discussed several options including Joseph's GP, lifeline, suicide callback service. Joseph rang the suicide callback service while Ewan was with him and talked with a counsellor. Ewan made a pact with Joseph to always be there for him, being available to talk on the phone or in person where practical.
Joseph is still continuing his journey and a 'gay man' (Joseph's description of himself). He is making plans to discuss things with his parents. Ewan will be right with him to support him. Ewan is using the 'CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TO AN LGBTIQ PERSON' Mental Health First Aid Guidelines to help him with his support of Joseph.
Remember Mental Health is everyone's business
