September is National Suicide Prevention Month
What Is Suicide?
Suicide is when people direct violence at themselves with the intent to end their lives, and they die because of their actions. It’s best to avoid the use of terms like “committing” or a “successful” when referring to a death by suicide as these terms often carry negative connotations.
An attempt is when people harm themselves with the intent to end their lives, but they do not die because of their actions.
Week 3 – Be there for someone at risk
How
This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk.
An important aspect of this step is to make sure you follow through with the ways in which you say you’ll be able to support the person – do not commit to anything you are not willing or able to accomplish.
If you are unable to be physically present, talk with them to develop some ideas for others who might be able to help as well (again, only others who are willing, able, and appropriate to be there). Listening is again very important during this step – find out what and who they believe will be the most effective sources of help.
Why
Being there for someone is life-saving. Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation (both in the short and long-term) has shown to be a protective factor.
Theories
Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal-Psychological Theory highlights connectedness as one of its main components – specifically, a low sense of belonging.
In the Three-Step Theory (or more commonly known as the Ideation-to-Action Framework), David Klonsky and Alexis May also theorize that “connectedness” is a key protective factor, not only against suicide as a whole, but in terms of the escalation of thoughts to action. Their research has also shown connectedness acts as a buffer against hopelessness and psychological pain.
By “being there,” we have a chance to alleviate or eliminate some of these significant factors.
Please visit some of my other pages, such as:
Death by Suicide
Helpful Resources:
Help Lines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK(8255)
This hotline is available 24 hours a day. Phone calls are transferred to trained counselors.
When veterans, their families, or friends call this number and press 1, they can talk to a trained, caring professional in a specialized veterans call center. Calls are free and confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Websites
American Association of Suicidology
Founded in 1968, the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) promotes research, public awareness programs, public education, and training for professionals and volunteers. In addition, AAS serves as a national clearinghouse for information on suicide.
Helpful Resources:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides information about suicide, support for survivors, prevention, research, and more. [The Suicide Prevention Action Network merged with AFSP in 2009.]
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has fact sheets on suicide by state and by populatioon characteristics, as well as on many other subjects.
Book
Ellis, T.E. (1996) Choosing to live: how to defeat suicide through cognitive therapy. New Harbinger Publications, Oakland, CA.
This CBT-based self-help book focuses on learning thinking strategies for overcoming suicidal thoughts.