How do you deal with suicidal acts? What do you do when you suffer? What if I see the lives of someone close to me in danger?

Suicide isa major public health problem and one of the main causes of unnatural deaths in the Basque Country and in the Spanish State as a whole. Beyond statistics, it is a preventable reality, because those who suffer from this great emotional pain do not want to end their lives, but to stop that psychological suffering that is unbearable to them.

When we talk about prevention and help, the path is two-way. If I suffer this emotional suffering myself, what can I do to protect myself? And if a relative or friend of mine has to help, how can I become his salvation?

"I can't do it anymore, I can't see a way out. "What to do when you're in pain?

When emotional unrest is unbearable, the perspective is narrowed and there seems to be no way out. We are talking about a situation called tunnel vision, where one is convinced that darkness is forever. However, the Basque associations working on prevention have recalled that this extreme crisis situation is temporary.

• Explain what you feel: isolation feeds suicidal ideas, and explaining what happens to a family member, friend, or health professional quickly relieves internal pressure.
• Divide it into small spaces of time: if you're worried about thinking about the future, look at the next hour or the next ten minutes, you don't have to fix your whole life today.
• Stay away from risk elements: avoid alcohol and drugs, substances that distort meaning, increase impulsiveness, and reduce control over one's actions.
• Look for a safe environment, if you feel like you're losing control, don't be alone, go to a place where there's a lot of people or ask someone you trust to be with you right away.

"I want to help him, but I don't know how. "How can I be an active lifeline?

The nearest environment is the most effective radar for warning signals, sometimes the fear of worsening or failing stops us, but doing nothing is the only real mistake.

On the other hand, suicide attempts are a sign of extreme despair. It should never be underestimated or interpreted as an attempt at manipulation, because that will make you think you are helpless.

• Ask directly: though you think otherwise, asking clearly ("Have you thought of ending your life?") does not induce anyone to anything; rather, it is an indication that you understand each other, it reduces anxiety, and allows you to escape the accumulated suffering.
• Listen actively and without judgment: Avoid words that despise pain, such as "If you have reason to live merrily , "or "You must be strong. "Do not try to give lessons or seek miraculous answers; value his pain, and tell him that you care.
• Remove harmful means, such as medicines at your disposal, sharp objects, weapons, and access to high places.
• Do not keep the secret: if you detect a real and imminent danger, do not promise to keep it secret at any time, communicate it to other family members or call the emergency services directly.