Realign Priorities

Most people fall into the role of being a suicide caregiver. When someone around you is thinking about suicide, you naturally want to step in and be supportive. While this may not feel like much of a choice, how involved you are as their support network is something you can control.

Below are some more questions to help you reflect on changes which may have occurred:

Think about the long term. What are your priorities?
Family, friends, work, finances...?

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Which of these priorities give you energy? Which of these priorities make you feel drained?
Have you been neglecting any of these due to being a suicide caregiver?

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What are the caregiving tasks you are responsible for?
How do you feel about them? Do they give you energy or drain you?

The chart below will help you organize your priorities.

Reflecting on your long term priorities helps you stay on track with your goals. While there’s no magic formula to this, thinking about which activities give you energy and what tasks are draining helps you maintain balance as a suicide caregiver.

Taking time for your hobby instead of talking with the person in need doesn’t mean you don't care for them. Give yourself permission to prioritize items that help you recharge. It’s okay to put aside your role as a caregiver to do things you enjoy. Ultimately, making yourself a priority will make you a more effective caregiver.