There are moments in life when words fail. When the weight of an experience is so immense, so shattering, that no phrase can fully capture its depth. Being the loved one of someone who has attempted suicide is one of those moments.
You may find yourself caught between relief and fear, gratitude and grief. You might feel helpless, unsure of what to say, afraid that anything you do or don’t do could make things worse. You’re not alone in this. And neither is the person you love.
The Power of Presence
One of the most meaningful things you can do right now is simply be there. Not to fix, not to solve—just to be. When someone survives a suicide attempt, they may be overwhelmed with emotions: shame, guilt, exhaustion. Your quiet, steady presence can speak louder than any words. A simple, “I’m here,” can be a lifeline in itself.
Listening Without Trying to Fix
It’s natural to want to make things better, to say, “Everything will be okay.” But healing from this kind of pain isn’t about quick fixes. Instead, offer a listening ear. Allow them to share, if and when they’re ready, without judgment or interruption. Validate their feelings rather than trying to explain them away.
Try: “That sounds really hard. I’m here for you.” Avoid: “You have so much to live for.“
Educating Yourself
Suicide attempts aren’t just about a single moment of despair; they often stem from deep, complex pain. Understanding mental illness, trauma, and emotional distress can help you respond with empathy rather than fear. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to support them.
Consider globally-taught workshops like Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, and safeTALK. Or, explore how we can bring these programs to your organization.
Encouraging Professional Support
While your presence matters immensely, it’s also important to encourage professional help. Therapy, medication, or support groups may be part of their journey. Offer to help find resources or accompany them to appointments if they’re open to it. Just knowing they don’t have to navigate this alone can make a difference.
To find resources specific to certain communities or challenges, click here for our free downloadable resources.
Taking Care of Yourself
Loving someone who is struggling deeply can be emotionally draining. Your own well-being matters, too. Seek support, talk to trusted friends, and set boundaries when needed. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to continue showing up for them.
Hope After the Darkness
A suicide attempt is not the end of their story. Nor is it the end of yours as their loved one. Healing is possible. Growth is possible. And hope—even if it feels fragile right now—is possible.
If this resonates with you, or if you’re searching for a way to process your own emotions in a supportive space, Breathe is a book that walks through these difficult moments with honesty, compassion, and hope. It offers a space to reflect, to feel seen, and to know you are not alone.
For those who want to engage further, the Breathe Companion Journal provides thoughtful prompts and a guided space to process the journey—whether for yourself or for the loved one you’re walking alongside.
You can find both Breathe and the Breathe Companion Journal here: Breathe Companion Journal
Whatever brought you here today, I hope you leave knowing this: You are not alone in this, and neither is your loved one. There is still light ahead, even if right now, it feels far away.