Suicide Counselling
in Langley, BC
How would you help someone I love who is depressed and thinking about suicide?
Dr. Michael Dadson, PhD, RCC, CCC · Clinical Director, Gentle Currents Therapy
If someone you love came to see me because they were thinking about suicide, I’d begin by listening to how hard life has been for them. I’d ask when those thoughts are hardest to bear, whether they’ve made a plan or feel close to acting on it, and what has helped them get through those moments before. That helps us understand what they need to be safe right now. I’d want them to feel, through the way I listen and respond, that they matter and that they can talk with me about how much they’re hurting.
If they need emergency care, I’d help them connect with it. When counselling is appropriate, we’d make a safety plan together. We’d talk through how they can tell when things are getting worse, what they can do first, who they can call if they need help, and how to make their surroundings safer. At later appointments, we’d revisit the plan and change anything that hasn’t been useful.
Stanley and colleagues studied adults treated in U.S. Veterans Health Administration emergency departments for suicide-related concerns. Those who received a safety plan and follow-up calls were less likely to engage in suicidal behaviour over the next six months than those who received usual care.
Stanley, B., Brown, G. K., Brenner, L. A., et al. (2018). Comparison of the Safety Planning Intervention With Follow-up vs Usual Care of Suicidal Patients Treated in the Emergency Department. JAMA Psychiatry, 75(9), 894–900.
I’d keep asking about suicide as we work on the depression. If your loved one tells me they can’t imagine anything getting better, I’d want to understand how they’ve come to feel that way. We’d look together at what’s making their days harder and what they’d like to have more of in their life. If they miss someone they’ve pulled away from, for instance, we might explore what makes reaching out hard and what kind of contact would feel manageable to them.
What are the warning signs?
Take it seriously if someone you love talks about wanting to die or says they’re thinking about suicide. You may also notice that they:
- Talk about feeling trapped, being a burden, or believing things will never get better.
- Pull away from people or activities they usually enjoy.
- Say goodbye in an unusual way or give away things that matter to them.
If you’re worried about them, you can ask directly about suicide even if you haven’t noticed these signs.
What can I do as a family member?
You might say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been having a hard time, and I’m worried about you. Have you been thinking about suicide? Are you having those thoughts now?” If they say yes, listen and take them seriously. You could say, “I’m glad you told me. Let’s get some help together.” Offer to call 988 or text 988 with them. If they’re in immediate danger, call 911 now.
The Public Health Agency of Canada explains that asking directly does not increase the risk of suicide.
Public Health Agency of Canada. Preventing suicide: When and how to help.
If your loved one wants you involved in their care, we can talk together about what they’re comfortable sharing and what would help. You might sit with them while they call for support, go with them to an appointment, or help them rebook if they miss one. You can ask for help yourself, too. You don’t have to figure out what to do on your own.
Ask about ongoing counselling
Contact Gentle Currents Therapy in Langley.
Dr. Mike Dadson SUICIDAL IDEATION
Further help for families
Frequently Asked Questions
To ask about ongoing counselling for yourself or someone you love, contact Gentle Currents Therapy.
See current counselling fees at Gentle Currents Therapy, including individual appointments with Dr. Dadson and lower-cost options.
I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Director at Gentle Currents Therapy. You can read more about my training and approach to counselling on my clinician profile.
If you tell me you’re thinking about suicide, I’ll listen and ask about what you’ve been going through and what you need to be safe right now.
What you share in counselling is private, with some limits. I’ll explain those limits at the start of counselling. For example, I may need to share information if there’s a serious and immediate risk of harm to you or someone else, or if the law requires it. You can ask me how those limits apply at any point.
Read the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors’ privacy and confidentiality standard (PDF).
Exploring care at Gentle Currents
You can meet our counselling team and learn about their approaches and areas of experience. When you contact Gentle Currents, tell us what you’d like help with and any preferences. Our intake team can help you explore a suitable clinician and current availability.
Contact the Gentle Currents team to tell us a little about what you’re looking for, ask questions, and explore appointment options.
See current counselling fees or LENS neurofeedback fees and forms for the service you’re considering.
Low-cost and no-cost counselling is available through our supervised graduate practicum program. Explore affordable counselling options or contact us to discuss what may be possible for you.
Your first appointment gives you time to explain what brings you in, ask questions, and discuss the proposed care. Read what to expect at your first counselling session or what happens during a LENS neurofeedback appointment for the service you’re considering.