What to do when it seems hopeless
Mental health illnesses can sometimes lead to suicides. Here are some facts and some ways to be prepared to help someone in need.
According to the CDC, suicide is preventable. It is a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families and communities. Preventing suicide requires strategies at all levels of society. This includes prevention and protective strategies, learning the warning signs and committing to social change.
By strengthening household financial security, housing stability, reducing substance abuse and limiting access to lethal means we can begin to impact the risk. Improving access and delivery of suicide care - covering mental health conditions in health insurance, increasing provider availability and providing rapid access to help - we can further reduce the risk.
Implementing social-emotional learning programs, supporting parenting skills and education programs as well as identifying persons at risk and providing therapeutic approaches can still further reduce risk.
Be aware of potential warning signs, such as:
Withdrawing from friends
Saying goodbye
Giving away important items
Taking dangerous risks such as extremely reckless driving
Displaying extreme mood swings
Eating or sleeping more or less.
How can you help someone who may be suicidal?
Listen to the person
Accept what they are saying and take them seriously
If they start talking - do not interrupt or add your feelings to the conversation
Let them know you care and are concerned.
Do not judge.
Say something simple such as: “Please don’t hurt yourself. I don’t want you to kill yourself, I would miss you terribly. “
Saying something like ”my life would be less full without you” can help the distressed person think about their reasons for living.
Connect them to resources, such as the suicide hotline, their doctor or a mental health professional.
If you think they are in extreme danger, reach out to the hotline yourself.
Stay with the person and try to connect them with a trained crisis counselor via the hotline.
Resources for you to learn more:
www.afsp.org - American Society for Suicide Prevention
www.sprc.org - Suicide Prevention Resource Center
www.cdc.gov - Centers for Disease Control
To access help contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; for yourself or someone else. You can call 988 or text 988 or chat at 988likeline.org. This connection with a trained crisis counselor is free, confidential and available 24/7/365.
