3 Strategies to prevent suicide through Kids Life Coaching
*Trigger warning*
I have lost two family members to suicide. I have over the years worked with children who have been suicidal. I have had friends who have told me they have been suicidal and I have lost friends to suicide. I have heard of friends who have lost family members to suicide and I have had clients who have lost parents to suicide. I have supported a teen client when he was suicidal and on top of a building ready to jump. (Read the chapter on "No building tall enough" in my book Secret Parent for the full story on this teen.)
Yes, sadly I have been faced with lots of suicide in my life AND I myself have been suicidal....
Perhaps you have been suicidal to?
I know what it is like and at the time, the feelings are real, dark and intense. I don't see myself as a weak person but there have been times in my life that I have felt hopeless. That is why every year on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September, I find solace in knowing that despite losing so many valuable souls through suicide, I am still here, and while I am here, I will do my small bit supporting children's change makers to prevent suicide through Kids Life Coaching.
I believe the antidote to young people taking their lives prematurely, is HOPE. Promoting HOPE is essential in suicide prevention and HOPE is what got me through my dark times. Without it, I may not be here...
"HOPE gives people the strength and motivation to keep going, even in the darkest of times."
Building HOPE in young people you may be coaching, who are struggling with suicidal thoughts is a delicate and vital process. Here are three tips to help instil hope and support their journey towards healing:
1. Validate Their Feelings: It's crucial to start by acknowledging and validating a child's feelings without judgment. Let them know that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and that their feelings are valid. This validation can be a powerful first step in making them feel seen and understood, which is foundational in building hope. Encourage open dialogue, allowing them to express their fears and concerns, and listen attentively. This shows that you take their feelings seriously and that they are not alone in their struggles.
2. Highlight Their Strengths and Achievements: Focus on their strengths, achievements, and any positive aspects of their life, no matter how small they may seem. Remind them of times they overcame difficulties or made progress, as this can help them see their own resilience and potential for navigating through current challenges. Celebrating even small victories can boost their self-esteem and foster a sense of accomplishment, which is essential in building hope for the future.
3. Develop a Future-Oriented Perspective: Work together to set small, achievable goals that can help children look forward to the future. These goals should be specific, measurable, and meaningful to them, providing a sense of purpose and direction. Encourage them to explore their interests, passions, and dreams, and discuss steps they can take towards realizing these aspirations. By focusing on the future and setting tangible objectives, you can help shift their perspective from despair to possibility, reinforcing the idea that change is achievable and that there's much to live for.
Building HOPE in young people facing suicidal thoughts requires skill, patience, empathy, and consistent support. By validating their feelings, highlighting their strengths, and helping them look towards the future with achievable goals, you can play a crucial role in their path to recovery. Remember, professional help is essential in these situations, so guiding them towards appropriate support services is also a key part of fostering HOPE and healing. If you know of a client who is struggling, it's important to reach out to their parents first and then to refer them to mental health professionals who can provide the necessary support and guidance.
You are a beacon of light to young people who may face past, future or present trauma. Remember that just like a lighthouse shines its light to prevent a ship from crashing into the rocks, you do the same for young people you coach. Keep shining brightly and keep giving HOPE because this is the way to prevent suicide in young people.
