7 Effective Ways to Support Suicide Attempt Survivors
Discover meaningful strategies to uplift and empower those who have survived suicide attempts, fostering a compassionate and inclusive community.
It’s easy to overlook that many individuals live on after a suicide attempt, navigating complex emotions and challenges.
Discussions around suicide often focus heavily on prevention or mourning those lost, which, while vital, can unintentionally marginalize a significant group: survivors of suicide attempts.
These individuals often find themselves invisible, their experiences rarely acknowledged or supported adequately.
When I attempted suicide as a teenager, I felt isolated and unsupported because available resources targeted either the bereaved or prevention efforts, leaving survivors like me without guidance.
It’s crucial to recognize that surviving a suicide attempt is a reality for many, and their voices deserve to be heard.
Returning to daily life after such an experience can feel like navigating uncharted waters without a map.
Thankfully, over the past decade, more resources and initiatives have emerged to assist attempt survivors, offering hope and community.
Still, there’s much more we can do collectively to create a culture where survivors feel seen, supported, and valued.
Here are seven impactful ways to better support those who have survived suicide attempts.
1. Actively Include Suicide Attempt Survivors in All Suicide-Related Discussions
Whether in public forums, policy discussions, or casual talks, never assume that suicide attempt survivors are absent.
Many survivors not only endure but thrive, while others continue to face challenges.
In prevention work, it’s essential to remember that individuals with prior attempts are at higher risk and must be central to these conversations.
Invite survivors to participate as speakers, organizers, and contributors to mental health events and initiatives.
Also, inquire with mental health organizations about their efforts to support attempt survivors.
By including survivors, we foster visibility and recognition of their lived experiences.
2. Normalize Open, Compassionate Conversations About Suicide
Suicide is a difficult topic, but treating it as taboo only deepens isolation for those struggling or recovering.
Healthy dialogue encourages survivors to share their stories and seek help without fear of judgment.
After my attempt, the silence surrounding the topic left me feeling alone and unsure how to cope.
Removing the stigma around suicide discussions can prevent attempts and promote earlier intervention.
Let’s create safe spaces where talking about suicidal thoughts and survival is met with empathy and understanding.
3. End the Stigma and Shame Surrounding Suicide Attempts
Many survivors hide their experiences due to pervasive beliefs that suicide is selfish or a moral failing.
This stigma fuels shame and discourages people from seeking the support they need.
It’s vital to recognize that suicide attempts stem from profound pain, not character flaws.
Attempt survivors often face dual stigmas related to mental health and their suicide attempt, being unfairly labeled as unstable or unworthy.
A culture that shames survivors perpetuates cycles of silence and risk.
Supporting survivors means fostering compassion and dismantling harmful stereotypes.
4. Honor the Diverse Experiences of Suicide Attempt Survivors
Survivors’ feelings about their attempts vary widely — some feel trauma, others see it as a turning point, some carry regret, while others do not.
Emotions can fluctuate even within a single day.
There is no one-size-fits-all narrative for survivors.
Recognizing this diversity ensures that support is inclusive and respectful of each person's unique journey.
Avoid generalizations and listen to the individual stories and needs of survivors.
5. Listen Attentively When Survivors Share Their Stories
Many survivors bravely share their experiences, trusting others with their vulnerability.
The best way to respond is through active, respectful listening without interruption or intrusive questioning.
Allow survivors to control how much they disclose and when.
Remember, their story is about their healing, not an opportunity for others to satisfy curiosity.
Create a safe, validating environment where survivors feel respected and empowered.
6. Recognize That Suicide Attempt Survivors Are Everywhere
Survivors come from all communities, backgrounds, and walks of life.
Insensitive remarks or jokes about suicide can be deeply triggering and alienating.
By acknowledging survivors’ presence in every community, we can communicate with greater sensitivity and respect.
Avoid language or behaviors that marginalize or invisibilize survivors.
Promote conversations that are inclusive, compassionate, and free from discrimination or shame.
7. Support Organizations and Resources Dedicated to Attempt Survivors
Resources tailored for suicide attempt survivors are crucial for recovery and empowerment.
Today, numerous organizations provide vital support, advocacy, and community for survivors.
For example, Grief Speaks offers comprehensive guides on assisting those after an attempt, which can be invaluable for friends and family.
Live Through This, led by attempt survivor Dese’Rae L. Stage, documents survivor stories through powerful photography and narratives, fostering visibility and connection.
Backing such initiatives helps build a stronger safety net for current and future survivors, reminding them they are not alone.
The aftermath of a suicide attempt can be lonelier than the attempt itself.
Having no safe space to discuss my experience deeply affected my mental health.
Many survivors worldwide still feel isolated and silenced, but through collective effort, we can change that.
This guide offers a starting point for ongoing conversations aimed at making survivors feel safer, respected, and truly visible.
This article was originally published here.
Sam Dylan Finch is a wellness coach, writer, and media strategist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He serves as lead editor for mental health and chronic conditions at Healthline and co-founded the Queer Resilience Collective, a wellness coaching cooperative for LGBTQ+ individuals. Connect with him on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or visit SamDylanFinch.com to learn more.
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