Bro and Suicide

BROS & DEPRESSION

Suicide can be prevented. Most suicidal people do not want to die. They simply do not want to live with the pain.
It is important to take suicidal thoughts and behaviours seriously.
Openly talking about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
It is important that you know the warning signs and risk factors for suicide, and the reasons why your mate might have thoughts of suicide.

Helping a mate who is suicidal is complex, however there are three key actions to helping a person who is suicidal:

If you think someone may be suicidal, ask them directly. ("Mate, are you having suicidal thoughts?', or 'Are you thinking of suicide?"
If they say yes, do not leave them alone.
Link them with professional help.

Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Call the suicide prevention helpline or lifeline in your respective city. You can access BROS GLOBAL's list of mental health, suicide and emergency services here, including men specific services, if any.

Invite him for walks, outings, and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused.
Encourage participation in activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, or cultural activities, but do not push him to undertake too much too soon.
Do not expect him ‘to snap out of it.’ Instead, keep reassuring him that, with time and help, he will feel better.
You may need to monitor whether he is taking prescribed medication or attending therapy. Encourage him to follow orders about the use of alcohol if he’s prescribed antidepressants.
Help him develop a Safety Plan so he knows what to do to keep himself safe when he feels suicidal again. You can download a Safety Plan app from BeyondBlue Australia called BeyondNow.

Source: HelpGuide.org International and MHFA Australia.