Following article provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The Hampton Roads Survivors of Suicide (S.O.S.) Support group are very invested in preventing suicide. Its members know in a very personal way about the painful legacy left behind when a loved one completes suicide. These words from one survivor express this commitment:
"If telling my story can comfort another survivor, then I will continue to tell it. If I can get information into the hands of someone who can save a life, then I am doing something incredible. I may never know for sure that my work has saved a life. I can live with that; I don't want to live with the 'what if' questions of never having tried."
Laurell Reussow, Survivor; Atlanta, Georgia
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A LOVED ONE MAY BE CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE
While some suicides occur without any outward warning, most do not. The most effective way to prevent suicide among loved ones is to learn how to recognize the signs of someone at risk, take those signs seriously and know how to respond to them. The depressions and emotional crises that so often precede suicides are, in most cases, both recognizable and treatable.
KNOW THE DANGER SIGNALS
Previous suicide attempts: Between 20 and 50 percent of people who kill themselves had previously attempted suicide. Those who have made serious suicide attempts are at much higher risk for actually taking their lives.
Talking about death or suicide: People who commit suicide often talk about it directly or indirectly. Be alert to such statements like, "My family would be better off without me." Sometimes those contemplating suicide talk as if they are saying goodbye or going away.
Planning for suicide: Suicidal individuals often arrange to put their affairs in order. They may give away articles they value, pay off debts or a mortgage on a house, or change a will.
Depression: Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed. Serious depression can be manifested in obvious sadness, but often it is expressed instead as loss of pleasure or withdrawal from activities that had once been enjoyable.
Be particularly concerned about depressed persons if at least five of the following symptoms have been present nearly every day for at least two weeks:
Additional factors that point to an increased risk for suicide in depressed individuals are:
TAKE IT SERIOUSLY
75 percent of all suicides give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.
All suicide threats and attempts must be taken seriously, even those of teenagers among whom such threats are more common.
BE WILLING TO LISTEN
Take the initiative to ask what is troubling them, and attempt to overcome any reluctance to talk about it.
Even if professional help is indicated, the person you care for is more apt to follow such a recommendation if you have listened to him or her.
If your friend or relative is depressed, don't be afraid to ask whether he or she is considering suicide, or even if they have a particular method in mind.
Do not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Rather, let the person know you care and understand, that he or she is not alone, that suicidal feelings are temporary, that depression can be treated, and that problems can be solved. Avoid the temptation to say, "You have so much to live for," or "Your suicide will hurt your family."
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
Be actively involved in encouraging the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. Since suicidal people often don't believe they can be helped, you may have to do more. For example, a suicidal college student resisted seeing a psychiatrist until his roommate offered to accompany him on the visit. A 17-year-old accompanied her 16-year-old sister to a psychiatrist because the parents refused to become involved.
You can make a difference by helping those in need find a knowledgeable mental health professional or a reputable treatment facility.
IN AN ACUTE CRISIS
In an acute crisis, take the person to an emergency room or walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital. Do not leave the person alone until help is available.
Remove from the vicinity of the potentially suicidal person any firearms, drugs, razors or scissors that could be used in a suicide attempt.
Medication and/or hospitalization may be indicated and may be necessary at least until the crisis abates.
If a psychiatric facility is unavailable, go to the nearest hospital or clinic.
If the options above are unavailable, call your local emergency number. Chances are the dispatcher can help you locate immediate psychiatric treatment.
FOLLOW-UP ON TREATMENT
Suicidal patients are often hesitant to seek help and may run away after an initial contact unless there is support for their continuing.
If medication is prescribed, take an active role to make sure the patient follows his/her prescription, and be sure to notify the physician about any unexpected side effects. Often, alternative medications can be prescribed.
For more information or to register with the Hampton Roads S.O.S. group, call Chris Gilchrist, L.C.S.W., a member of the American Association of Suicidology, at (757) 483-5111.
