5 Steps to help a loved one who is at risk for suicide

With the recent loss of beloved comedian and actor Robin Williams, it is important for us to be aware of friends and loved ones in our lives that may be at risk for suicide.  Suicide, while complex, is preventable and many of the causes (such as mental health issues or substance disorders) are treatable.  The following are some things you can do if a friend or loved one is at risk for suicide.

1) Be aware of risk factors for suicide and be especially aware of warning signs that may indicate more acute suicide risk. 


According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  (AFSP) website, risk factors include:

• Mental disorders and/or alcohol or substance abuse or dependence
• Previous suicide attempt
  

• Family history of attempted or completed suicide
• Serious medical condition and/or pain
• A highly stressful life event such as losing someone close, financial loss, or trouble with the law
• Prolonged stress due to adversities such as unemployment, serious relationship conflict, harassment or bullying
• Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide (contagion)
• Access to lethal methods of suicide during a time of increased risk
  

Warning signs may include the following:

• Talking about wanting to kill themselves, or saying they wish they were dead
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as hoarding medicine or buying a gun
• Talking about a specific suicide plan
• Feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Feeling trapped, desperate, or needing to escape from an intolerable situation
• Having the feeling of being a burden to others
• Feeling humiliated
• Having intense anxiety and/or panic attacks
• Losing interest in things, or losing the ability to experience pleasure
• Insomnia
• Becoming socially isolated and withdrawn from friends, family, and others
• Acting irritable or agitated
• Showing rage, or talking about seeking revenge for being victimized or rejected, whether or not the situations the person describes seem real
• Giving away prized possessions (National Mental Health Association- NMHA)

2) Take it seriously when someone talks about their suicidal intentions or plans
50% to 75% of all people who attempt suicide tell someone about their intentions.  If you suspect a person may be at risk for suicide, trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble (NMHA). 

3) Talk to the person about your concerns and listen well

• Tell the suicidal person that you are concerned about them and list specific reasons (cite some risk factors and warning signs)  why you are concerned.
• Don't be afraid to ask if the person is considering suicide and if they have a plan or method in mind.  Asking questions does not push a person toward suicide if they were not considering it before.
• Do not try to argue someone out of suicide, act shocked, act judgmental, or counsel the person yourself.  Instead, let the person know that you care, that they are not alone, and that they can get help.  Remember to listen.

4) Take action

• Actively encourage the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately.  Assist the person to identify a professional and schedule an appointment.  If they let you, go to the appointment with them.
• If the person is threatening, talking about, or making specific plans for suicide, this is a crisis requiring immediate attention.  Do not leave the person alone.
• Remove any means that could be used for suicide including any firearms, drugs, or sharp objects.
• Take the person to a walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital or a hospital emergency room.
• If these options are not available, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) for assistance.
  

5) Follow-Up on Treatment

• Still skeptical that they can be helped, the suicidal person may need your support to continue with treatment after the first session.
• If medication is prescribed, support the person to take it exactly as prescribed. Be aware of possible side effects, and notify the person who prescribed the medicine if the suicidal person seems to be getting worse, or resists taking the medicine. The doctor can often adjust the medications or dosage to work better for them. 
• Help the person understand that it may take time and persistence to find the right medication and the right therapist. Offer your encouragement and support throughout the process, until the suicidal crisis has passed.

The majority of information in this article was directly cited and/or reproduced from the AFSP website which can be viewed at http://www.afsp.org/preventing-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs.  Remember that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free, confidential, and always available phone call away for help for a loved one or for yourself.  Contact them anytime at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

 

 

---