Suicide Prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide often is the result of an untreated mental health condition. Eight out of ten teenagers who are considering suicide will write, draw, do or say something that a “gatekeeper” in their lives will notice. Being suddenly cheerful after a long depression, showing rage and/or talking about seeking revenge all can be warning signs. Unsafe behaviors, like going outside alone at night or not wearing a seat belt, also can reveal that someone is having suicidal thoughts.

There are numerous risk factors for suicide, including a recent or serious loss (a death, having parents who are separating or divorcing, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, etc.); a psychiatric disorder or trauma; a lack of social support; alcohol and other substance use disorders; disciplinary problems; bullying; and access to lethal means, including firearms and pills. Individuals who are considering suicide may stop talking about or planning for the future.

Studies show that suicidal ideation is lessened rather than increased by acknowledging and discussing suicide. Asking the question, “Are you thinking about suicide?,” demonstrates that you are open to speaking about it in a supportive, non-judgmental way. You also can inquire, “How do you hurt?” or “How can I help?” Stay calm, listen carefully and take the individual’s answers seriously. Help him or her focus on his or her reasons for staying alive (without imposing your own).

Establish the person’s immediate safety. It is important to determine if he or she has previously done anything to harm himself or herself. Does he or she have a specific, detailed plan and/or access to the method of suicide? The answers to these questions will reveal a great deal about how imminent and severe the danger is. It is essential to put time and distance between the individual and his/her chosen method. Never promise to keep a person’s suicidal thoughts a secret.

You must be willing to follow through with the ways in which you say you will support the individual. Do not promise what you cannot or will not accomplish. Increasing his or her connectedness to others and limiting isolation are both protective factors. Encourage him or her to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or @800273TALK and establish a safety plan, possibly using an app like My3, which is available free of charge at the Apple App Store and Google Play. The Crisis Text Line (Text “START” to 741741) is available 24/7 and connects to a trained counselor. (Crisis Hotlines can assess the risk of suicide, offer referrals and dispatch emergency intervention, if necessary.) Afterward, follow up with the individual to see how he or she is doing.

Asking if someone is considering suicide is extremely important. Many people have a difficult time admitting they need help and doing so sends a message that you care and that their struggle is normal. Ultimately, the five action steps (ASK, KEEP THEM SAFE, BE THERE, HELP THEM CONNECT and FOLLOW UP) can help save lives. #BeThe1To #CallTextLive #SuicidePrevention