“But what if I say the wrong thing?”
The new #Samaritan volunteer asked worriedly.
We are in week 3 of our training where we must now begin to ask some difficult questions.
Learning how to be a listening volunteer for a crisis phone line where our callers are feeling suicidal is not easy.
The two things that stop people from exploring and having vulnerable conversations are
🍩 Not really wanting to hear the real answer
🍩 Afraid they’ll say something wrong and cause upset
Here are two things that helps you to keep on the side of “not saying the wrong thing”.
1⃣ Don’t try to solve their problem. Don’t offer suggestions.
2⃣ Keep out of judgement. Make sure you observe that in your words and your non-verbal cues.
You can use these two tips when conversing with anyone, not just those feeling suicidal.
What else do you do to “not say the wrong thing?
