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Suicide and
Suicide Prevention
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Suicide is the act of
taking one’s own life. It is important to know that suicide
can be prevented. Most people show many warning signs when they
are contemplating suicide. The most important thing you can do for
a friend or loved one to prevent suicide is to be aware of the warning
signs, take them seriously, and understand how to find help for
them.
If you are in crisis and need immediate help,
please call the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or go to
your local emergency room.
What are the warning signs? |
- Talking about suicide (killing one's
self)
- Always talking or thinking about death
- Making comments about being hopeless,
helpless, or worthless
- Saying things like "It would be
better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
- Depression (deep sadness, loss of interest,
trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
- A sudden, unexpected switch from being
very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
- Having a "death wish," tempting
fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving fast
or through red lights
- Losing interest in things one used to
care about
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Putting affairs in order, tying up lose
ends, changing a will
- Be especially concerned if a person
is exhibiting any of these warning signs and has attempted suicide
in the past. According to the American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention, between 20-50% of people who commit suicide have had
a previous attempt.
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What do I do
to help my friend or loved one?
1.
First, if someone you know appears to be depressed and is
contemplating suicide, take them seriously. Listen to what they are
saying. Calmly ask them what they are planning, but don't attempt
to argue them out of committing suicide. Instead, let the person know
that you care and understand and are listening. Avoid statements like:
"You have so much to live for." 2.
Then seek help. Encourage the person to seek the help of
a mental health professional. Because the person probably doesn't
think they can be helped, you may have to be persistent by going
with him.
3. If your loved one appears
to be in danger of committing suicide imminently, do not leave him
or her alone; remove any weapons or drugs that may be used. Accompany
him or her to the nearest emergency room.
4. During treatment,
support your friend or loved one. Help them to remember to take
antidepressant medications and to continue any other therapy prescribed.
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| Other Sources of
Information |
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Suicide and
Youth
National
Alliance for the Mentally Ill |
Information on Preventing
Suicide
American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention |
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Facts and Information about
Suicide
National
Institute of Mental Health |
Warning Signs and Help for
Suicide and Family Member Survivors of Suicide
The
Mayo Clinic |
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Information and
Resources for Suicide Prevention.
www.stopasuicide.org |
An Educational and Resource
Organization
American
Association of Suicidology |
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Nebraska Suicide
Prevention Fact Sheet
Suicide Prevention Resource Center |
A Collaborative Effort of SAMHSA, CDC,
NIH, HRSA, HIS
National
Strategy for Suicide Prevention |
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The
Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Suicide
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Suicide Prevention Curriculum
Nebraska
Prevention of Suicide Training |
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Recommendations
for Suicide Prevention in Nebraska
A
Report on the Nebraska Suicide Prevention Symposium |
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