September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2014, suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34.
We can have a direct impact on this tragic statistic by challenging the stigma attached to suicide by adopting an open and engaging orientation to suicide, awareness and prevention. To this end, when a loved one or friend talks about ending their life consider it a call to action. You can help and support them by following the 5 Action Steps below. These steps are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention.
Ask – it may be a tough question, but it is important to ask someone directly if they are having suicidal thoughts or contemplating ending their life. Studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
Keep Them Safe – work with the person to remove any lethal means available to them (i.e. firearms, medications, etc.). Take them to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional. Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
Be There - be present, listen with compassion and without judgment, let them know you care about them. If possible, do not leave them alone. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
Help them stay connected – work with them to connect to others who also care—friends, family, therapists, clergy, teachers, coaches, etc. and 24/7 crisis care resources. Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone so it’s there when you need it: 1-800-8255 (TALK). Also give the person Lifeline’s number and see that it is readily available to them anytime they might need it– in their cell phone, on their night stand, car, book bag, refrigerator or wherever it makes sense.
Follow Up - check in regularly with the person you are concerned about, for the days and weeks after the crisis, let them know you are thinking about them, and that you are there to help if needed. These check-ins will go a long way to help that person feel cared about and on the road to recovery. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at risk person.
How to Get Help for a Social Media Friend
Contact the social media site directly if you are concerned about a friend’s updates or dial 911 in an emergency. If you have found suicidal thoughts or intentions posted on FACEBOOK go to this website for specific directions: http://www.save.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FB-One-Pager-for-AAS-3-1.pdf.
THREE THINGS to REMEMBER:
- IN INSTANCES WHERE THERE IS AN IMMINENT THREAT OF HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS, CALL 911
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to 1-800-8255 (TALK)
- Your EAP is available for consultation and support 24/7
References:
5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain National Institute for Mental Health Website, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml#part_153220.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/suicideawarenessmonth