Suicide – Help Them Connect
How
Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports (like the Lifeline, 800-273-8255) can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis. Additional components of a safety net might be connecting them with supports and resources in their communities.
Explore some of these possible supports with them – are they currently seeing a mental health professional? Have they in the past? Is this an option for them currently? Are there other mental health resources in the community that can effectively help?
One way to start helping them find ways to connect is to work with them to develop a safety plan. This can include ways for them identify if they start to experience significant, severe thoughts of suicide along with what to do in those crisis moments. A safety plan can also include a list of individuals to contact when a crisis occurs.
The My3 app is a safety planning and crisis intervention app that can help develop these supports and is stored conveniently on your smartphone for quick access.
Why
Impact of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline found that individuals that called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by the end of calls handled by Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training-trained counselors. These improvements were linked to ASIST-related counselor interventions, including listening without judgment, exploring reasons for living and creating a network of support.
If you or someone you know has warning signs or symptoms of suicide, particularly if there is a change in the behavior or a new behavior, get help as soon as possible.
Often, family and friends are the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide and can take the first step toward helping an at-risk individual find treatment with someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. If someone is telling you that they are going to kill themselves, do not leave them alone. Do not promise anyone that you will keep their suicidal thoughts a secret. Make sure to tell a trusted friend or family member, or if you are a student, an adult with whom you feel comfortable. You can also contact the resources noted below.
Helpful Resources
Help Line
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
www.suicidology.org
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.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
www.afsp.org
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
www.sprc.org
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.