About Suicide

If you are worried about a friend or family member and think they may be suicidal the first thing you need to to is ask how they are doing. Ask if they are having suicidal thoughts or are ya thinking about killing yourself? Quite often they will simply say "I want to kill myself" or "I want to commit suicide". Don't try to solve their problems, just be there for them and listen. Listening to what they have to say will let them know you care and they will appreciate it.

Do not try to help someone in crisis on your own. Seek Professional Help Immediately! Click on the big green button on the upper right side of your screen.

Act quickly and be consistent with your actions. When someone is distressed and feeling suicidal, it may be something seemingly small (to you) or something which only affects them indirectly. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it is not that big a deal, there is always a lot more there that is causing their suicidal feelings, this is just one of many things that is troubling them. Often the small things act as the trigger to becoming suicidal or acting out suicidal thoughts. Listen for things like feelings of hopelessness, feeling alone, no reason to live, feelings of failure and isolation.

Talk about their feelings

Offer your support, provide encouragement, inspire them to do something they normally like. It is very important to make sure your they do all the talking about how they are feeling. You may have to work a little to get them talking so be patient, know it is very hard for them to talk about their dark feelings.

Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions. If someone is talking about suicide, take it seriously. This is not attention seeking and can be a way to try to prove you wrong. If you make this mistake you will regret it for a long time.

Do not to pressure the person into talking if they don’t want to, but give them the time and space to talk openly without interrupting them. Just being there with them is more important then you know. Sometimes people want to talk to someone outside their situation as well.

Suggesting they talk to a professional or visit their family doctor is a great place to start and should be a top action on your list.
Risk factors you should also consider are below. If you can’t answer yes or no to any of the risk factors, ask them about it or phrase a question to get the appropriate answer.

Risk Factors

• Family history of suicide
• Easy access to lethal methods
• Family history of child maltreatment
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• History of mental disorders, particularly depression
• History of alcohol and substance abuse
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
• Cultural and religious beliefs (e.g., belief that suicide is noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
• Local epidemics of suicide
• Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people
• Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
• Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
• Physical illness
• Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or to suicidal thoughts

Protective Measures

• Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
• Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help seeking
• Family and community support
• Support from ongoing medical and mental health care professionals
• Develop skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent way of handling disputes
• Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support instincts for self-preservation.

Healthy Suggestions

It is easy to make healthy suggestions, but much harder for the person who is struggling with suicidal thoughts to incorporate them into their daily life. Once they do, the path to recovery will become a little easier.

• Make sure they make time for themselves, to relax and do things they enjoy
• Eat healthy, balanced diet
• Get plenty of sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Take a long walk in the fresh air
• Spend time with friends and family
• Talk to other people about things which worry you
• Be aware of your strengths and things you find difficult
• Know the warning signs
• If you have spiritual beliefs, practice them