How You Can Help Prevent Suicide: National Suicide Prevention Month
If you were concerned that someone was having suicidal thoughts, would you know how to help? Many people are afraid that if they ask a loved one about suicide, that they are going to make things worse, but the opposite is actually true. Asking about suicidal thoughts can help provide a sense of relief to people who feel hopeless and alone. It means someone cares.
September is a month dedicated to saving lives by sharing resources on suicide prevention.
We lose 132 lives every day to suicide in this country. It is the second leading cause of death for 10-34 year old’s.
That alone is a scary number, but worse, it presents a picture of so many people struggling in life and feeling hopeless, and not knowing how or where to get help. A recent CDC study showed that young people aged 18-24 reported serious suicidal ideation. During this time of stress and uncertainty in life compounded by worries over the coronavirus, it is especially important to learn how to prevent suicide.
Ways You Can Help Prevent Suicide
Ask
Studies show that people who are thinking about suicide feel relief after someone asks in a caring way if they are having suicidal thoughts. Be direct and to the point. You feeling comfortable enough to ask gives your loved one a safe space to share scary thoughts.
Stay With Them
People who are struggling with suicidal thoughts usually feel overwhelmed, depressed, and hopeless. Having someone to share with helps ease these feelings and “share the load.” Talk with them about their feelings, validate how hard this is for them, and let them know you want to help.
Remove Access to Means
Suicidal actions are often impulsive. Studies show that removing access to deadly means such as weapons, pills, and other dangerous objects, suicide rates by those means are reduced. Helping your loved one stay safe includes talking to them about any ways they’ve considered harming themselves and creating a plan to keep them safe.
Help Them Stay Connected
People who struggle with suicidal thoughts often feel alone. Help them identify or create a network of support by listing family and friends they have that care about them. Also list resources for support and safety if they are struggling on their own. See below for some of our go-to resources.
Get Help
If your loved one is thinking about suicide, it is time to get help. Thoughts of suicide are a sign of being overwhelmed, depressed, and hopeless. The individual is trying to cope with a situation they just can’t see a way through, and they need support. Speak with a professional to get an assessment about the severity of the suicidal thoughts and get a treatment plan based on your loved one’s needs. This can look like counseling and support for low risk individuals and hospitalization for high risk individuals who need round the clock care to stabilize.
Follow up
Check in with your loved one frequently at the beginning. Let them know that you are available to talk about anything and you want to help. Spend time with them talking about their worries and validating their concerns.
Resources for Suicide Prevention
Crisis Text Line: text "home" to 741-741
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-825
Williamson County Mobile Outreach Team (MOT): (512) 864-8277
Central Counties Crisis Hotline (Bell County): 1-800-888-4036
Bluebonnet Trails Crisis Hotline: 1-800-841-1255
911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency room if you can get there safely
Sources:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/08/13/covid-19-takes-mental-toll-youth-minorities-essential-workers/3365719001/