Put Yourself First
Prevent Burnout
Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss and going through the content on this website may have activated some challenging emotions for you. Processing these feelings can be exhausting.
In addition to the change in health or behavior of someone you are close to, you are also experiencing changes in your daily routines. They may look like changes in:
- Your relationships
- The number of things you need to do for the person in need
- The amount of time you have for yourself
...just to name a few.
All of these stressors building up can feel overwhelming and lead to cumulative stress.
Cumulative Stress
noun | cu-mu-la-tive stress | \ ‘kyü-myə-lə-tiv ‘stres \
Various stressors building up which causes a threat to your wellbeing
Putting yourself first during this time so you don’t experience burnout.
Burnout
noun | burn·out | \ ˈbərn-ˌau̇t \
Emotional and physical exhaustion caused by stress
Being a suicide caregiver requires effort and time. It can be a challenging and draining process. Remember to ask yourself How Am I Doing? often.
You are part of a team and there are others available to help you take care of the person in need. Make sure to prioritize activities that fill you with energy...you can’t pour from an empty glass.
When you recognize you are lower on the scale, know that you can always call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or seek help from a therapist for additional support.
Being mindful of the stressors you are experiencing will help you balance your wellbeing. Prioritizing your health is the first step to taking care of others.
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.
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