My colleague has been off work because he attempted suicide and most of the children in our youth group know about it. He is coming back soon and I am wondering if I should be ready for anything?
Remember that your colleague is still the same person – only now you are acutely aware of what a difficult place he has been to emotionally.
Young people are inquisitive and will want to ask questions. But I recommend you talk to them first and suggest they wait for your colleague to make the first move. Have a chat with him to prepare him for any eventuality – no doubt some young person will pipe up, and it is likely that he won’t have considered this.
There are many myths surrounding suicide, so it’s useful to check these to put your mind at rest and help allay the young people’s curiosity. A great source is the Samaritans.
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