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Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA
Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA
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Planning for Discharge

Planning for Discharge

Planning for Discharge

  • How to Ask About Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
  • What To Do and Say If You Are Concerned
  • How to Get Help
  • How to Offer Support
  • What to Say and What Not to Say
  • Caregiver Support
  • How to Ask About Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
  • What To Do and Say If You Are Concerned
  • How to Get Help
  • How to Offer Support
  • What to Say and What Not to Say
  • Caregiver Support
  1. Home
  2. Patient and Family Resources
  3. Planning for Discharge
  4. What to Say and What Not to Say

What to Say and What Not to Say

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Provide Validation

What to say: "I hear you when you say you want to die, that you feel this will never get better."

What not to say: "Why would you want to throw your life away?"

Show Empathy

What to say: "I can imagine how terrible that feels."

What not to say: "I've been through hard times and I'd never think about hurting myself."

Offer Reassurance

What to say: "Was there ever a time you didn't feel this bad? I believe you will feel that way again."

What not to say: "You'll get over it." or "This is just a phase." or "You're being dramatic."

Provide Support

What to say: “I'm going to be here to help you. You are not alone.           

What not to say: "Why would you do this to our family?”

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