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Not an emergency service. In case of mental health crisis, call or text Crisis Hotline 988.
Learn How You Can
Prevent Suicide
About Suicide
Suicide is preventable. By recognizing the warning signs of suicide, knowing how to start a conversation, and where to turn for help, you have the power to make a difference.
There is no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed someone’s coping skills and they experience hopeless thoughts and feelings.
For more information contact our office for one of our free resource guides, Coping with a Mood Disorder, Hope for Today, or Suicide Grief Support Guide.
Risk Factors
Risk factors are characteristics of a person or their environment that increase the likelihood that they may try to take their life.
Past Suicide Attempts
A prior history of attemps
Access to Means
Lethal means are easily accessible
Stressful Life Events
Such as job loss, loss of a relative or divorce
Prolonged Stress
From life events, medical conditions or major events.
Substance Abuse Problems
Especially if untreated or under-treated
Mental Health Conditions
Especially if untreated or under-treated
Warning Signs
Warnings Signs are things to look out for when you are concerned that someone may be suicidal. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs.
Talking about not having a reason to live or feeling like they are a burden to others
Increased drug or alcohol use
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from friends and family
Changes in sleep patterns
Giving away possessions
PRotective Factors
Protective Factors are characteristics of a person or their environment that help protect someone from suicide.
Effective behavioral health care
Connectedness to supportive family and community
Life skills such as coping skills and problem solving skills
Self esteem and a sense of purpose
Resiliency and a sense of being accepted and belonging
active in social groups and activities
How To Help
Listen
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Listen
Allow the person to express feelings.
Take suicide threats seriously.
Be non-judgmental.
Say things such as:
“I’m here for you.”
“Let’s talk.”
“I care about what happens to you.”
“It’s not unusual to feel this way.”
Let him or her know depression is treatable.
Show interest and support.
Take suicide threats seriously.
Be non-judgmental.
Say things such as:
“I’m here for you.”
“Let’s talk.”
“I care about what happens to you.”
“It’s not unusual to feel this way.”
Let him or her know depression is treatable.
Show interest and support.
ASK
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Ask
“Are you having suicidal thoughts?”
“Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.
Don’t be sworn to secrecy.
Say things such as “You are too important to me. I can’t keep this a secret.”
Don’t worry about being disloyal to the individual.
“Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.
Don’t be sworn to secrecy.
Say things such as “You are too important to me. I can’t keep this a secret.”
Don’t worry about being disloyal to the individual.
Take Action
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Take Action
Get professional help for the person (here).
If the person is in crisis, don’t leave him or her alone.
If possible, remove potential weapons, drugs and alcohol. DO NOT put yourself in danger.
Tell the person that alternatives are available, but do not offer empty words of reassurance (“You’ll feel better in the morning”, etc.)
Don’t leave it up to them to get help by themselves. See that appointments for professional evaluation and treatment are made.
You can say things such as:
“Let’s go talk to someone who can help.”
“Go see someone for me; I don’t want to worry; I can’t leave here until I know you are safe.”
If the person is in crisis, don’t leave him or her alone.
If possible, remove potential weapons, drugs and alcohol. DO NOT put yourself in danger.
Tell the person that alternatives are available, but do not offer empty words of reassurance (“You’ll feel better in the morning”, etc.)
Don’t leave it up to them to get help by themselves. See that appointments for professional evaluation and treatment are made.
You can say things such as:
“Let’s go talk to someone who can help.”
“Go see someone for me; I don’t want to worry; I can’t leave here until I know you are safe.”
Remember that you can not help this person all by yourself, so get support!
Are You In Crisis?
If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, call or text Crisis Hotline 988.
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