How do I support my suicidal partner while taking care of my own mental health?
Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice, perspective, and honestly, just some support from people who might understand what I’m going through. I have been with my partner for a little over a year. She carries a lot of trauma from her childhood and struggles with her mental health on a daily basis. She goes through stages where some days or weeks are better than others, but right now, she is actively suicidal. She has attempted multiple times over the years, with her last attempt happening at the beginning of this year. During that crisis, I really struggled with what to do. I was terrified that calling 911 or 988 would make things worse or escalate her distress, so I didn't call them. Instead, I ended up calling a close friend who knows us both to help get through it. She is currently in therapy, which I am very grateful for, but daily life is still an uphill battle. I love her so much and want to be a supportive partner, but I am really struggling right now. It is incredibly hard to navigate, and I feel overwhelmed trying to understand what she’s going through while carrying so much anxiety and fear for her safety. For those who have been in a relationship with a partner dealing with severe trauma and suicidal ideation: How do you handle the fear of emergency services vs. keeping your partner safe? What do you do in a crisis? How do you balance being supportive without losing yourself or burning out? How can I better understand her daily struggle without taking on the role of her therapist? Thank you in advance for reading and for any advice or shared experiences you can offer.