World Suicide Prevention Day
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, providing the opportunity for people across the globe to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) shares that, according to multiple studies, asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal thoughts or the incidence of suicide. In fact, findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce, rather than increase, suicidal ideation.
They promote 5 action steps you can use to communicate with a family member, friend, roommate or co-worker who may be having suicidal thoughts. These include:
ASK. Open the door for effective dialogue by asking “are you thinking about suicide?” in a direct, non-judgmental manner. Other questions you can ask include, “how do you hurt?” or “how can I help?” Listen intently to their reasons for being in emotional pain and pay attention to what they may share about wanting to stay alive. Gently focus on their reasons for living and avoid trying to impose your own.
BE THERE. Whether you can be physically present for someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide, speak with them on the phone, video chat or text message with them, show your support. If you are unable to be physically present, help the person develop ideas for others who might be able to support them as well. Do not commit to taking any actions that you are unable or unwilling to do – follow through is very important in this kind of situation.
KEEP THEM SAFE. Once you’ve determined suicide is an active concern, work to establish immediate safety. Has the person experiencing thoughts of suicide done anything to hurt themselves already? Have they considered how they would attempt suicide? Do they have a specific, detailed plan? If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit their website. If someone is in immediate need or it is an emergency, dial 911 immediately.
HELP THEM CONNECT. Connecting the person to ongoing support can help them establish a safety net. Explore resources with them – are they currently seeing a mental health professional or is this an option for them currently? Are there other mental health resources in the community that can effectively help? You can also work with together to develop a safety plan that includes ways for them to identify if they start to experience significant, severe thoughts of suicide, along with what they can do in those crisis moments and a list of individuals to contact when a crisis occurs.
FOLLOW UP. Continue to check in with the person after your initial conversation and efforts to help them get assistance. Leave messages, send texts or set a time to call them again. This type of contact can continue to increase their feelings of connectedness. You can share your ongoing support and ask if there is more ways you may able to help. There is evidence that reaching out, even in simple forms like sending a caring postcard, can potentially reduce their risk for suicide.
