Staying Present When You Do Not Have the Answers
Supporting a friend, about 1 minute
Not knowing what to say can feel like a reason to stay quiet altogether, but presence rarely requires the right words. Sitting with someone, making a cup of tea, or simply staying in the room can communicate care more powerfully than any carefully chosen sentence. Whatever the circumstances, this kind of care tends to matter more than it seems in the moment.
It is honest, and often helpful, to say plainly that you do not have the answers but that you are not going anywhere. This takes the pressure off both people to perform certainty neither of them feels, and it keeps the door open for the conversation to continue over time.
If things feel heavier than you can hold together, that is a sign to bring in professional support. The Suicide Call Back Service offers counselling on 1300 659 467, and Lifeline is available on 13 11 14, any hour you need it. Nobody expects a perfect explanation, only a willingness to be honest.
Printed from suicide ends. If you need to talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.