https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/263602797/lilliana_grace-johnson

My life as a multiple, Columbus, OH (2025)

09/17/2025

Therapy plays a crucial role in su***de prevention by providing individuals with a structured, supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts and emotions, develop coping strategies, and address the underlying issues contributing to their suicidal ideation. It involves building a trusting relationship between the individual and a trained mental health professional, with the goal of reducing suicidal risk and enhancing the person’s quality of life. Here’s a detailed description of how therapy contributes to su***de prevention:

1. Identification and Understanding of Underlying Issues

• Exploring Root Causes: One of the primary goals of therapy is to help individuals understand the underlying causes of their suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These can include mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder, as well as situational stressors such as trauma, grief, relationship issues, financial hardship, or chronic pain. Therapy offers a safe space to unpack these complex emotional and psychological issues.
• Addressing Trauma: Many people who struggle with suicidal thoughts have experienced significant trauma, including abuse, neglect, violence, or major life changes. Trauma-focused therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), can help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences that contribute to their emotional pain and suicidal ideation.

2. Development of Coping Strategies

• Teaching Coping Skills: Therapy helps individuals develop effective coping mechanisms to manage overwhelming emotions and stress. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and emotional regulation strategies are common in therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These skills help reduce the intensity of suicidal thoughts by teaching individuals how to challenge negative thinking patterns, tolerate distress, and regulate their emotions more effectively.
• Building Resilience: Therapy encourages individuals to build resilience by focusing on their strengths, identifying positive aspects of their lives, and developing a more hopeful outlook for the future. This can reduce the sense of hopelessness that often drives suicidal ideation.

3. Enhancing Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

• Addressing Impulsivity: Many suicidal acts are impulsive, particularly in individuals struggling with intense emotions or personality disorders. DBT is especially effective in helping people learn impulse control and distress tolerance, which can be key in preventing suicidal behavior. Therapy can help individuals slow down their thought processes and consider alternative solutions before acting on suicidal impulses.
• Problem-Solving Therapy (PST): This is a specific type of therapy aimed at improving an individual’s ability to cope with life stressors by teaching effective problem-solving skills. It focuses on practical solutions to everyday problems, reducing the sense of helplessness that can contribute to suicidal thoughts.

4. Addressing Hopelessness and Cognitive Distortions

• Challenging Negative Thoughts: Cognitive distortions such as “all-or-nothing thinking,” catastrophizing, or overgeneralization are common among people with suicidal ideation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works to identify and challenge these distorted thought patterns that reinforce hopelessness and despair. For example, a person who believes “nothing will ever get better” might be guided to recognize exceptions to this belief and explore evidence that contradicts this assumption.
• Promoting Positive Thinking: Therapy also helps individuals reframe their thoughts to be more balanced and realistic. By focusing on positive aspects of their lives and considering alternatives to su***de, individuals can begin to feel more hopeful about their future.

5. Building Support Networks

• Strengthening Relationships: Therapy can help individuals strengthen their relationships with family, friends, and other support networks. Family therapy or couples therapy may be useful in resolving conflicts, improving communication, and increasing understanding among loved ones, which can provide a buffer against feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
• Identifying Social Supports: Many people contemplating su***de feel isolated or believe they are a burden on others. Therapy helps individuals identify people in their lives who are supportive and who can be turned to in times of crisis. It also encourages individuals to reach out to these supports instead of withdrawing.

6. Creating Safety Plans

• Safety Planning Intervention: Therapy often includes the creation of a safety plan, a practical and personalized action plan that individuals can use during times of crisis. A safety plan typically includes:
• Warning signs that indicate a crisis might be imminent.
• Coping strategies to manage distress without resorting to self-harm or su***de.
• Contact information for support people (friends, family, or mental health professionals).
• A plan for reducing access to lethal means, such as safely storing fi****ms or medications.
• Emergency contacts, including crisis hotlines or local emergency services, to use if the individual feels they can no longer stay safe.
Having this plan in place can provide the individual with concrete steps to follow when they are feeling overwhelmed, increasing their likelihood of getting through the crisis safely.

7. Reducing Access to Lethal Means

• Means Restriction Counseling: Therapists work with individuals and their families to reduce access to means of su***de, such as fi****ms, medications, or sharp objects. This step is vital because restricting access to lethal means during a period of heightened risk has been shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of a su***de attempt. Even if the individual continues to experience suicidal thoughts, the removal of immediate means can buy time for the intervention to take effect.

8. Addressing Ambivalence About Su***de

• Exploring Ambivalence: Many individuals who contemplate su***de experience ambivalence—a conflict between the desire to die and the desire to live. Therapy helps explore this ambivalence, emphasizing the individual’s reasons for living and providing them with an opportunity to reflect on their options. Therapists guide individuals in understanding that the pain they feel is temporary and that there are alternatives to ending their lives.
• Existential and Meaning-Based Therapies: For some individuals, existential therapy or logotherapy can help by addressing deeper questions about meaning, purpose, and existence. Finding a sense of purpose or developing meaning in life can be a powerful protective factor against suicidal thoughts.

9. Treating Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

• Dual Diagnosis and Integrated Treatment: Suicidal ideation is often linked to mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, substance use disorders, or bipolar disorder. Effective therapy involves treating these underlying mental health conditions. This could include a combination of psychotherapy, medication management (with close monitoring for side effects), and behavioral interventions. Treating these co-occurring disorders directly reduces the risk of su***de.
• Substance Use Treatment: Therapy often addresses substance use, which is a significant risk factor for su***de. Substance abuse can impair judgment, increase impulsivity, and intensify feelings of hopelessness. Integrating substance use treatment, such as motivational interviewing or 12-step programs, can reduce the likelihood of su***de attempts.

10. Long-Term Monitoring and Relapse Prevention

• Ongoing Support and Relapse Prevention: Therapy is not a one-time intervention but a continuous process. Therapists often provide ongoing monitoring to help individuals manage suicidal thoughts over time. Through periodic check-ins and the use of relapse prevention strategies, individuals can continue to manage their mental health and reduce the risk of a future su***de attempt.
• Follow-Up Care: Post-crisis, therapists offer follow-up care to ensure that individuals stay connected to mental health services. Follow-up interventions (such as caring contacts, check-ins, or additional sessions) have been shown to reduce the likelihood of su***de by maintaining support over the long term.

11. Improving Emotional Regulation

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Developed specifically for people with chronic suicidal ideation or borderline personality disorder, DBT helps individuals develop emotional regulation skills, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is one of the most effective therapies for individuals with a history of self-harm or suicidal behavior because it targets the dysregulated emotions that often drive suicidal impulses.

12. Instilling Hope and Purpose

• Restoring Hope: Many individuals who contemplate su***de do so because they feel a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. Therapy aims to instill hope by helping individuals realize that their current situation can improve, that change is possible, and that they have the strength to overcome their challenges. By setting small, achievable goals, therapists can help individuals see progress and restore a sense of agency in their lives.
• Empowerment: Therapy helps empower individuals to take control of their mental health and well-being. Through goal-setting, developing coping strategies, and working through difficult emotions, individuals can regain a sense of control over their lives and reduce their risk of future suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

Therapy is an essential component of su***de prevention, offering a multi-faceted approach to help individuals manage their emotions, resolve underlying issues, and develop strategies to stay safe. By creating a space for healing, building resilience, and providing practical tools to cope with distress, therapy can help individuals move away from suicidal ideation and toward a more hopeful, fulfilling life. Through the therapeutic relationship, people learn that while pain may be inevitable, su***de is preventable, and they have the power to seek a better path forward.
~My life as a multiple~

09/17/2025

Here are 100 ways to encourage individuals to seek help when they are struggling:

1. Normalize seeking help in everyday conversations.
2. Offer a non-judgmental listening ear.
3. Share personal stories of how therapy or help made a difference for you or others.
4. Express empathy and understanding for their struggles.
5. Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help and that everyone needs support sometimes.
6. Provide information about local mental health resources.
7. Offer to help them find a therapist or counselor.
8. Suggest online support groups or mental health communities.
9. Reassure them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
10. Remind them that mental health is as important as physical health.
11. Explain that professionals are trained to help with specific issues.
12. Encourage them to take the first step, however small, such as researching resources.
13. Offer to go with them to an appointment or make the first call together.
14. Be persistent but gentle in encouraging them to talk to someone.
15. Remind them that they don’t have to go through their struggles alone.
16. Let them know that asking for help doesn’t mean they are broken.
17. Highlight the benefits of therapy, such as learning coping skills and feeling heard.
18. Reassure them that it’s confidential, and their privacy is respected.
19. Suggest they try different counselors if the first one isn’t a good fit.
20. Offer to assist with practical barriers, like transportation or finances.
21. Encourage them to write down their thoughts and concerns to discuss in therapy.
22. Provide hotline numbers for immediate support.
23. Suggest starting with a general check-in with a primary care doctor.
24. Mention mental health apps that provide professional support.
25. Share uplifting quotes or messages of hope.
26. Highlight that early intervention can prevent issues from getting worse.
27. Remind them that it’s brave to take control of their mental health.
28. Offer to help them research mental health blogs or podcasts.
29. Let them know that they deserve support and care.
30. Point out that everyone can benefit from an outside perspective sometimes.
31. Discuss how therapy can provide tools to deal with future challenges.
32. Encourage self-care as a first step, which could lead to seeking professional help.
33. Suggest trying one counseling session and evaluating from there.
34. Assure them that it’s okay to feel nervous about seeking help.
35. Remind them that mental health support is available at all times, even in emergencies.
36. Encourage them to reach out to trusted friends or family for support.
37. Discuss how therapy can improve relationships by helping with communication.
38. Remind them that seeking help shows self-respect and value for their well-being.
39. Suggest looking into specialized therapies for their specific struggles.
40. Reassure them that many people feel better after seeking help.
41. Highlight success stories of people who sought help and improved.
42. Remind them that their feelings are valid, and they deserve to feel better.
43. Point out that therapy can help with gaining insight into themselves.
44. Mention that seeking help can reduce feelings of isolation.
45. Encourage them to attend free mental health workshops or webinars.
46. Remind them that they are not a burden for seeking help.
47. Explain that seeking help can improve their overall quality of life.
48. Suggest journaling their thoughts and feelings, which they can share with a therapist.
49. Assure them that therapy is not just for crisis situations, but for personal growth.
50. Offer to babysit or run errands to make it easier for them to attend therapy.
51. Discuss how getting help can improve their ability to handle stress.
52. Encourage them to start with a free consultation or a phone call.
53. Reassure them that it’s okay if they don’t know exactly what they need; professionals will help figure it out.
54. Mention that it’s okay to cry or show emotion in therapy.
55. Suggest checking out mental health content creators on social media for inspiration.
56. Remind them that taking care of their mental health benefits everyone around them.
57. Highlight the accessibility of teletherapy if in-person sessions are intimidating.
58. Discuss how seeking help can provide clarity and direction during tough times.
59. Offer to attend a mental health workshop together for support.
60. Suggest they think of therapy as part of their overall self-care routine.
61. Emphasize that therapy can teach problem-solving skills for daily life.
62. Encourage them to view seeking help as an investment in their future.
63. Reassure them that no problem is too small or too big for therapy.
64. Encourage them to take it one step at a time; they don’t have to commit long-term immediately.
65. Share that it’s normal to feel nervous before the first session but it gets easier.
66. Remind them that it’s better to seek help now than to wait until things get worse.
67. Suggest exploring different types of therapy that might resonate with them.
68. Reassure them that talking about their struggles doesn’t make them weak or flawed.
69. Mention that seeking help shows self-awareness and growth.
70. Encourage them to see a therapist as someone who will guide them, not judge them.
71. Assure them that it’s never too late to ask for help.
72. Share that seeking help could bring a sense of relief and unburdening.
73. Offer to watch a documentary or movie together about mental health.
74. Highlight that professionals can provide a fresh perspective they might not have considered.
75. Mention that seeking help can improve their emotional resilience.
76. Let them know that seeking help is common and many people do it.
77. Encourage them to talk about their fears or hesitations about therapy.
78. Suggest they think of therapy as a journey, not a quick fix.
79. Highlight how therapy can improve self-awareness and self-esteem.
80. Reassure them that it’s okay to open up slowly and at their own pace in therapy.
81. Remind them that they are worthy of help and support.
82. Suggest they join an online forum or chat with others who have sought help.
83. Let them know they don’t need to be at rock bottom to seek help.
84. Offer to help them create a self-care plan that includes professional support.
85. Discuss how therapy can provide tools to break negative cycles or patterns.
86. Suggest attending a community mental health event or support group together.
87. Reassure them that they can quit therapy if it doesn’t feel right but trying it is the first step.
88. Let them know that seeking help can prevent burnout or emotional breakdowns.
89. Encourage them to take breaks and recharge, and use that time to reflect on getting help.
90. Reassure them that professionals are trained to help people exactly like them.
91. Mention that mental health is fluid and therapy can help during different phases of life.
92. Encourage them to set small, manageable goals with their therapist.
93. Reassure them that no feeling is too small or insignificant to talk about in therapy.
94. Encourage them to seek help before they reach a breaking point.
95. Suggest starting by reading self-help books and discussing them with a professional.
96. Remind them that seeking help is proactive, not reactive.
97. Point out that therapy can help them regain control over their life.
98. Let them know that seeking help can prevent further mental health decline.
99. Encourage them to focus on self-compassion, which includes seeking help when needed.
100. Remind them that they matter and that getting help is a step toward healing and living a better life.

Each of these approaches aims to gently and positively guide individuals toward recognizing the value of seeking help and taking that first crucial step toward improving their mental health.
~My life as a multiple~

09/17/2025

Supporting someone who is suicidal requires a compassionate, non-judgmental approach combined with practical actions to ensure their safety and well-being. Below are best practices for helping someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors:

1. Take All Signs of Suicidal Behavior Seriously

• Always assume the risk is real: If someone expresses suicidal thoughts, whether directly or indirectly, always take it seriously, even if you’re unsure of the severity.
• Recognize warning signs: These may include talking about wanting to die, withdrawing from loved ones, mood swings, reckless behavior, increased substance use, or giving away possessions.

2. Listen Without Judgement

• Be present and patient: Listen actively, without interrupting, minimizing their feelings, or trying to “fix” the situation right away.
• Avoid judgment or criticism: Do not dismiss their pain or offer simple solutions such as “cheer up” or “just think positively.” Instead, validate their emotions by saying things like, “I can see you’re going through a really tough time.”

3. Ask Directly About Su***de

• Ask clearly and calmly: Use straightforward language like, “Are you thinking about su***de?” or “Do you have a plan to harm yourself?” Research shows that asking directly about su***de does not increase the risk of someone acting on these thoughts.
• Be empathetic, not alarmed: Let them know it’s okay to talk about these feelings and that you are there to support them, no matter what.

4. Provide Emotional Support

• Offer empathy and understanding: Say things like, “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way, but I’m here for you.” Reassure them that they are not alone.
• Encourage them to express their feelings: Creating a safe space for them to talk about their emotions can relieve some of the emotional pressure they are feeling.
• Validate their experience: Use statements like, “It sounds like you’re really hurting,” or “That sounds really difficult.”

5. Help Reduce Access to Lethal Means

• Remove potential means: If possible, help them remove or restrict access to fi****ms, medications, or other potentially lethal items. Work with family members or loved ones if necessary.
• Work collaboratively: Help the person make decisions about reducing means, such as locking up medications or temporarily giving up access to weapons.

6. Encourage Professional Help

• Recommend seeking professional help: Encourage them to contact a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional. You can say, “Talking to a therapist might help you work through these feelings.”
• Offer to assist with finding resources: Help them find a therapist, call a helpline, or make an appointment. Offer to go with them if they feel uncomfortable.

7. Create a Safety Plan Together

• Work on a safety plan: A safety plan is a personalized strategy for managing suicidal thoughts. It includes:
• Warning signs that a crisis is emerging.
• Coping strategies they can use when feeling suicidal.
• Who they can contact (friends, family, or professionals).
• Removing access to lethal means.
• Emergency contacts or crisis lines to call when in immediate danger.
• Crisis hotlines: Share crisis hotlines such as the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline (988) in the U.S., or local emergency numbers in other countries.

8. Be Non-Confrontational and Respect Their Boundaries

• Respect their autonomy: While you may feel an urge to take control of the situation, avoid pressuring them or making decisions for them unless it is an immediate life-threatening situation.
• Be patient: Suicidal individuals may feel overwhelmed and may not be ready to accept help right away. Continue to check in with them in a compassionate and non-invasive way.

9. Involve Other Support Systems

• Engage trusted family or friends: If the person is open to it, consider involving their close friends, family members, or a support network who can provide additional help.
• Encourage them to reach out: Encourage them to talk to someone they trust, and offer to help them do so if necessary.

10. Recognize Your Own Limitations

• Acknowledge you are not a professional: You can offer emotional support, but professional intervention is often needed to provide effective long-term care. Make sure they understand that it’s okay to seek professional help.
• Know when to get emergency help: If the person is at immediate risk of harming themselves, do not hesitate to contact emergency services (911 in the U.S.) or take them to the nearest hospital emergency room.

11. Stay Connected and Follow Up

• Maintain regular contact: Continue to check in on the person regularly, even after the immediate crisis has passed. A simple phone call or text to show you care can help reduce feelings of isolation.
• Offer long-term support: Let them know you are there for them over the long haul, not just during moments of crisis.

12. Avoid Guilt-Inducing Language

• Don’t try to guilt them: Avoid saying things like “Think about how much it would hurt your family if you died,” as this can increase their feelings of shame or burden.
• Avoid minimizing: Statements like “You have so much to live for” or “Things will get better” may feel dismissive and invalidate their emotions.

13. Encourage Self-Care and Healthy Coping Strategies

• Promote positive coping mechanisms: Encourage activities that can improve their mood, such as exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness, or relaxation techniques.
• Avoid substances: Gently discourage the use of drugs or alcohol, which can exacerbate feelings of depression or impulsivity.

14. Use Crisis Resources When Necessary

• Call a su***de prevention hotline: If you’re unsure how to proceed or need immediate advice, call a su***de hotline for guidance.
• Know emergency procedures: In cases of immediate danger, call emergency services and ensure the individual is in a safe environment.

15. Take Care of Yourself

• Get support for yourself: Supporting someone who is suicidal can be emotionally taxing. Seek support for yourself through friends, family, or professionals to ensure you’re in the best position to help.
• Avoid burnout: Set healthy boundaries to ensure you don’t become overwhelmed, and remember that you can’t do everything alone.

Summary

The key to supporting someone who is suicidal lies in being compassionate, patient, and proactive. It’s essential to listen without judgment, ask directly about su***de, and ensure the person is connected with professional help. Encourage them to develop a safety plan, remove access to lethal means, and be present for ongoing support. Be mindful of your own well-being as you help them, and don’t hesitate to involve crisis services if necessary.
~My life as a multiple~