loveisrespect.org

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02-12-2016 at 02:55 PM (30 Views)

Going through a major upset in my extended friends-group just now. A partner and friend of many of my friends is melting down, lots of ups and downs, lots of blaming others for their own bad behavior, DARVO, the whole mess. One of my friends apparently endured a suicide threat from the person. Another friend shared this link. This is a great website, it tends to use non gendered language in referring to abuser and abused (unless the person is telling a personal story) , it's a good resource. 

https://www.loveisrespect.org/content/when-your-partner-threatens-suicide/

When Your Partner Threatens Suicide

April 8, 2014 / 2 Comments / in Dynamics of Abuse, loveisrespect

“I’ll kill myself if you leave me.”

It seems like a no-win situation. When someone you’re close to says something like this, it can feel like the world just stopped spinning.

People who have a mental illness, such as Borderline Personality Disorder, typically have a higher risk for suicide. Depression, a history of substance abuse, and other disorders carry risks as well. If your partner truly wishes to die and has a plan and intention to follow through, get immediate help. Call your local emergency number, or call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

But what if your partner regularly threatens suicide, particularly whenever you’re not doing something they want you to do? First, understand that this is a form of emotional abuse: your partner is trying to manipulate you by playing on your feelings of love and fear for them. You might get angry when this happens, but you also might feel stuck giving in to them in order to avoid a potential tragedy. When your partner makes these threats repeatedly, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and possibly help your partner as well:

 

Tell your partner you care about them, but stick to your boundaries. Giving in to threats over and over does not make a relationship healthy, and it only allows anger and resentment to build on your end. You could say something like, “You know I care about you very much, and I understand you’re upset right now, but I will not _____.”

Put the choice to live or die where it belongs – on your partner. You can’t be responsible for another person’s actions, no matter what – and this includes when your partner chooses to be abusive. Say something like, “I think our relationship should be based on love and respect, not threats. I really care about you, but this is your choice and I can’t stop you from making it.”

Remember that no matter what your partner says, you don’t have to prove anything. Even though they might be saying something like, “If you really loved me, you’d stop me from killing myself,” the real truth is that there are unhealthy patterns in your relationship. Until those unhealthy patterns are addressed, they will most likely continue no matter how many times you give in to your partner’s demands.

Keep in mind that if your partner often says they’re going to kill themselves when things aren’t going their way, they’re not showing you love or a romantic gesture; they’re likely trying to control your actions. If this is the case, think about the tips above and try to get help where you can. You might try talking to a trusted family member, a school counselor, or other professional therapist. But remember, you are not your partner’s counselor, and you can’t force your partner to get help if they don’t want to. They have to make that choice for themselves.

Get in touch with one of our advocates by phone, chat, or text 24/7 if you need to talk or find additional support in your area. We’re here for you!