Your Role as a Caregiver

Suicide caregivers often identify as friends, parents, siblings, teachers, etc. You might ask - why is it important to use the term caregiver? This title helps you understand the responsibilities and time the role can require, allowing you to better prepare yourself as a support.

Suicide Caregiver
noun | sui-cide care-gi-ver | \ 'sü-e-sīd 'ker-gi-ver \
A person who supports someone experiencing thoughts of suicide

• While providing care, you must also be aware of your own well being despite the task being big or small
• Your role can be formal (i.e. therapist or crisis worker) or informal (i.e. family, friend, loved one)

Suicide caregivers create a safety net for the person in need to fall back on. You are a guide towards a healthier state of being. Caregiver duties are usually on top of other everyday obligations. No matter the size of your role as a caregiver, maintaining balance and self-care is a key priority for you to provide productive support.

Let’s take a look at what it entails:

By putting your suicide caregiving experience into words, you’re recognizing the importance of this role and accepting it as a part of your life. Thinking through these responsibilities and how they may affect you will help you prepare for the challenges in this new role.