SIGNS. BRAVE. TRICKY.
The GLASS EMPTY Methodology
A simple framework for noticing, starting and navigating difficult conversations.
SIGNS - NOTICE
You notice something isn't right... "Something seems different about this person."
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Not every person experiencing suicide distress will use the GLASS EMPTY signal.
SIGNS helps us notice when someone may be struggling. S - Self defeated Appearing hopeless, defeated or as though they've given up. I - Isolating Withdrawing from people, conversation or activities. G - Grim looking A noticeable change in mood, demeanour or appearance. N - Nasty Uncharacteristically angry, irritable, hostile or aggressive. S - Spontaneous behaviour Sudden or unusual behaviour that appears out of character. Signs are not a diagnosis and don't necessarily mean someone is suicidal. They are prompts to notice, check in and, where appropriate, have a BRAVE conversation. |
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BRAVE - Act
You decide to do something about it... "I'm going to reach out and check in."
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Why it's important to be BRAVE when having a TRICKY conversation about suicide distress.
B - Be Kind. Be Brave. Be Authentic. Approach the person genuinely, without pretending to be an expert. R - Reach Out. Speak up when you notice signs of distress rather than assuming someone else will. A - Ask. Ask if they're okay - and when appropriate, ask directly whether they're considering suicide. V - Validate. Acknowledge their emotions and experience without judgment or immediately trying to fix them. E - Engage support. Bring in appropriate support when the situation is beyond your role or you can't assist directly. Talking about suicide distress can require genuine courage. The person initiating the conversation may be nervous about:
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TRICKY - Navigate
The conversation may become difficult, so you rely on your values... "I don't need to fix this. I need to listen, respect, be kind and know my limits."
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We've constructed a methodology to approach a difficult conversation. TRICKY, is the acronym for our values as a Pub/Venue/Community Whisperer.
T - TRUST Create an environment where someone feels safe to talk. Safe people create safe spaces. R - Respect Respect their experience, dignity and choices. I - Integrity Be honest, genuine and responsible. C - Confidentiality Respect privacy while understanding when safety requires additional support. K - Kindness Lead with compassion rather than judgment. Y - Your good self You don't have to be an expert. Be genuine, present and human. You don't need to have all the answers. You just need to notice, reach out, listen and know when to bring support. |
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Know your limits.
You don't have to handle this alone. If someone is in immediate danger, don't leave them alone. Seek urgent professional help.
How a scenario may play out.
You notice: He's been isolating and seems completely defeated.
BRAVE: "You approach him and say "hey mate, I've noticed you don't seem yourself. Are you okay?"
TRICKY: Listen. Don't judge. Don't try to fix everything. Bring in additional support if necessary.
BRAVE: "You approach him and say "hey mate, I've noticed you don't seem yourself. Are you okay?"
TRICKY: Listen. Don't judge. Don't try to fix everything. Bring in additional support if necessary.
GLASS EMPTY = the signal someone can give.
SIGNS = what you can notice.
BRAVE = what you can do.
TRICKY = how you approach it.
Some conversations are TRICKY. Be BRAVE enough to have them.
SIGNS = what you can notice.
BRAVE = what you can do.
TRICKY = how you approach it.
Some conversations are TRICKY. Be BRAVE enough to have them.
