top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureMadison Loppnow

How to be a Helpful Bystander



Never hesitate to call you could save someones life..



There is no room for a bystander when it comes to mental health issues. In the blink of an eye someone you think is fine could go downhill very fast. And seeing this happen do you really want to look back and think "what if I reached out to someone" No you don't want that thought constantly haunting you so here are some ways you can help reach out and speak up in times of crisis.

Welfare Check- This occurs when you call 911 and ask for the police to go to a specific residence to check on a persons well being. Usually it occurs when you can't seem to get into contact with a love one or someone you know would answer unless something was wrong. However these can also be used when you fear a person is severely depressed and might cause harm to him or herself. When calling just be sure to state the reasoning you are asking for a welfare check to be conducted on a specific person.

Call the Suicide Hotline- Weather you are calling for the person who is struggling or the person who is struggling calling the suicide hotline should be one of the first people you call. They are very good at giving advice on what steps to take in the moments of crisis and what the safest thing to do is. They are also trained professionals to be able to talk to one who is struggling in the moment.

Make a Safety Plan- A safety plan is a must for people who are continuously struggling with suicidal thoughts, actions, or just severe depression. A safety plan would include things such as people to contact in immediate crisis, ways to calm oneself down; such as certain skills like T.I.P.P. (temperature, intense exercise, paced breathing and paired muscle relaxation) It would also include a persons triggers which are things that could send a person into crisis such as seeing somebody, witnessing abuse, a certain sound, etc. The final thing usually found on a safety plan are things to keep one safe such as locking up medication and sharp objects.



28 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

PTSD

bottom of page