Prevent Suicide - Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County

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.

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.

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.”

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

Support US

Our organization is entirely supported by local business and individual donors.

Free Training

We work with organizations to provide prevention training.

Contact

525 W. Oak St. Suite B10
Fort Collins, CO 80521

(970) 482-2209

email us

Every dollar you give helps the Alliance for Suicide Prevention provide life-saving education, resources, and support to those in need. Together, we can create a community of hope and healing.