About Suicide Prevention
Suicide Warning Signs:
- Observable signs of serious depression
- Unrelenting low mood
- Pessimism
- Hopelessness
- Desperation
- Anxiety, psychic pain, inner tension
- Withdrawal
- Sleep problems
- Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
- Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
- Threatening suicide or expressing strong wish to die
- Making a plan
- Giving away prized possessions
- Purchasing a firearm
- Obtaining other means of killing oneself
- Unexpected rage or anger
Intervention
Three Basic Steps:
- Show you care
- Ask about suicide
- Get help
Show you care
-Take ALL talk of suicide seriously
-If you are concerned that someone may take their life, trust your judgment!
-Listen Carefully
-Reflect what you hear
-Use language appropriate for age of person involved
-Do not worry about doing or saying exactly the “right” thing. Your genuine interest is what is most important.
-Be Genuine
Let the person know you really care. Talk about your feelings and ask about his or hers.
“I’m concerned about you… how do you feel?”
“Tell me about your pain.”
“You mean a lot to me and I want to help.”
“I care about you, about how you’re holding up.”
“I’m on your side…we’ll get through this.”
Ask About Suicide
Be direct but non-confrontational. Talking with people about suicide won’t put the idea in their heads. Chances are, if you’ve observed any of the warning signs, they’re already thinking about it. Be direct in a caring, non-confrontational way. Get the conversation started. You do not need to solve all of the person’s problems – just engage them. Questions to ask:
–Are you thinking about suicide?
–What thoughts or plans do you have?
–Are you thinking about harming yourself, ending your life?
–How long have you been thinking about suicide?
–Have you thought about how you would do it?
–Do you have __? (Insert the lethal means they have mentioned)
–Do you really want to die? Or do you want the pain to go away?
Ask about treatment:
Do you have a therapist/doctor?
Are you seeing him/her?
Are you taking your medications?
Get help, but do NOT leave the person alone
Know referral resources
Reassure the person
Encourage the person to participate in helping process
Outline safety plan
Resource Sheet
Create referral resource sheet from your local community:
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Other Therapists
Family doctor/pediatrician
Local medical centers/medical universities
Local mental health services
Local hospital emergency room
Local walk-in clinics
Local psychiatric hospitals
Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1-800-273-TALK press 2 for VETERANS
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
911
In an acute crisis, call 911
Reassure the person that help is available and that you will help them get help:
“Together I know we can figure something out to make you feel better.”
“I know where we can get some help.”
“I can go with you to where we can get help.”
“Let’s talk to someone who can help . . . Let’s call the crisis line now.”
Encourage the suicidal person to identify other people in their life who can also help:
Parent/Family Members
Favorite Teacher
School Counselor
School Nurse
Religious Leader
Family doctor
Outline a safety plan
Make arrangements for the helper(s) to come to you OR take the person directly to the source of help – do NOT leave them alone! Once therapy (or hospitalization) is initiated, be sure that the suicidal person is following through with appointments and medications.
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