Hear from a Suicide Caregiver Using SID’s Framework
Kacie K. was a suicide caregiver supporting her friend, Taylor*, who had been thinking about suicide for some time. Taylor was seeing a therapist regularly but needed a lot of support in between sessions. What started out as one phone call led to daily conversations between Kacie and Taylor. As a working mother and wife, Kacie felt overwhelmed by her newfound responsibilities as a suicide caregiver.
Challenge:
“My friend was acutely struggling and I was so overwhelmed. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into and it snowballed into a really big thing. I felt a strong conviction to help but I was in over my head. I didn’t realize how much support I needed because I didn’t realize how much support I would be giving them. I had never been through this before. I needed help and someone who knew what I was going through.”
Solution:
“Through Suicide Is Different (SID), I learned I was not alone and what I was experiencing was normal. They reminded me to take care of myself so I can be their suicide caregiver and also continue to take care of myself and my family. I learned that suicide is a big thing and that I can’t be everything for them. Boundaries are okay. The information and support on SID was a big warm hug on top of good strategies. I learned how I can be helpful and do something positive. This was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.”
Outcome:
“It was comforting to know that I was doing the right thing. When the situation escalated, I was able to revisit all the materials, and know what I could do for my friend and myself. They eventually found the right mix of support - a partner, therapy, medication, and didn’t need that level of support from me anymore.”
*The friend’s name is fictional to protect their identity.
Want more information? Suicide Is Different offers free tools and customized supports to help those caring for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to learn about suicide and build a self-care system for sustainable caregiving. Follow us on Twitter (@SuicideIsDiff) and Instagram (@SuicideIsDifferentOrg) for routine reminders and tips!
SID is not a substitute for clinical treatment or crisis intervention
If you are looking for emergency support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Suicide Is Different's content and products were developed by subject matter experts for educational purposes only and intended for use by adults. We encourage you to review our Resource Directory if you are looking for clinical services or supports outside of the US.
