SIBU: A ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ event on suicide awareness and prevention dew participants from all walks of life here recently.
Psychotherapist Joycelyn Chieng said it served as a beacon of hope and enlightenment on the issue.
At the event she dwelled on LEAP (which stands for Listen, Empathise, Agree and Partner) communication skills.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune, Chieng said it has to do with empowering individuals and their loved ones to engage in open, empathetic, and supportive conversations about mental health struggles.
“LEAP offers a practical roadmap for fostering understanding and collaboration. It begins with active listening, where individuals provide their full attention and non-judgmental presence to those who are sharing their feelings and experiences.
“By genuinely listening, we create an environment where individuals feel safe to express their emotions and concerns.
“Empathy, the second step, involves recognising and validating the emotions of the person in distress. It’s about saying, “I understand how you feel,” and letting them know that their emotions are acknowledged and respected.
“Agreement doesn’t imply total concurrence with every perspective but instead seeks common ground and shared concerns. It builds a bridge between the individual and their loved ones, emphasising unity rather than conflict.
“Finally, the step of “Partner” underscores the importance of working together to find solutions. It expresses a commitment to supporting the individuals on their journey to professional help, creating a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility,” she stated.
Chieng pointed out one of the key takeaways from her talk is the critical role that timely intervention plays in mental health care. By using LEAP communication skills, she said loved ones can create an environment where individuals feel understood, supported, and encouraged to seek professional help promptly
