In another case, there was a lady who had a history of seeking attention and had attempted suicide multiple times. She was undergoing treatment with a psychiatrist along with counseling sessions. She never heeded the advice of her parents, doctor, or siblings. However, she was willing to listen to my words. One day, her mother called me while I was stuck in a traffic jam. She urgently requested me to have a quick session with her daughter, who was holding a knife and a rope and was on the brink of taking her own life. As we talked, she held onto the rope and knife, the seriousness of the situation weighing heavily on us. I begged, “Please, just give
me two minutes. Let me try to help before you make any choices you can’t change.” She quickly replied, “I don’t care what you’re saying. I’m determined to end everything.”
Assertive Clarity in Uncertain Moments:
I changed my approach and asked a direct question, “Imagine this: I’m stuck in traffic, and let’s say my car crashes into something… (a pause) … what would happen then?” She sounded unsure, “What do you mean? Would I get blamed for that?” She said firmly and assertively, “No, you can’t blame me for that. I can’t
entirely agree.” As those words echoed in my mind, I whispered them again:hmm… “No, you can’t blame me for that. I can’t entirely agree.”
I gathered my thoughts and said, “You’re right, you’re not responsible. But think about this – if my car crashes, you must deal with the repair and maintenance. “To my surprise, she reacted differently from what I expected – she laughed, releasing some of the tension even in such a difficult moment.
Redirecting Suicidal Thoughts: The Power of Assertive Behavior
P.S. # Suicidal thoughts represent a darker aspect of human emotions. They turn one’s focus inward. Assertive behavior, however, generates an outward force that helps redirect attention from within to utilizing hidden energies such as compassion, kindness, and joy. This energy begins to flow immediately, and the person starts to experience a sense of peace and starts controlling the situation with vigor and vitality.
