Holding on to hope. Small gestures speak volumes.

The word “hope” is often heard in suicide prevention. Unfortunately, it can be in the context of hopelessness or a lack of hope. So what do you do when someone you are helping expresses those feelings?

One thing you may consider is offering to hold on to hope for them until they feel strong enough to feel it again. You could say:

"I'm hearing that you are in pain, and feeling hopeless. From where I sit, I can see ways you could feel better - I'm hopeful. But I know how hard it is to see that when you feel as awful as you do."

When someone is struggling so much that suicide becomes a way out of the pain they are in, it is difficult for them to see that it can get better, that life can be robust again.

By offering to hold on to hope for the people you work with, you may also be providing relief from trying to find something that doesn’t feel natural at the moment. You could acknowledge that struggle by offering:

“It is not uncommon for people to find it hard to feel hope when they are carrying so much. The team is here to help you with that burden.”

This small gesture also allows people to know that you are committed to walking with them in their recovery, and when they are ready, you are a trusted person in their life to provide ongoing support.