Do you know what to do if someone tells you they are thinking about ending their life? One of the goals of Suicide Prevention Month is to teach people how to keep someone safe who is contemplating suicide. At Cottonwood, in Tucson, Arizona, we want you to have this important knowledge.
What You Can Do
Because suicide is such a taboo topic, many people have not been equipped with the information they need in order to help a suicidal person stay safe and raise awareness about this important topic. That can leave us feeling helpless. In reality, there are several things you can do to help prevent suicides.
- Share information on your social media platforms about crisis services, reducing stigma, warning signs, and how to talk about suicide
- Attend a training that will increase your suicide prevention knowledge, such as Mental Health First Aid or Talk Saves Lives
- Reach out to your elected officials to advocate for increased funding for mental health services
- Talk to the people you love about mental health and suicide
People Most At-Risk
Suicidal thoughts are far more common than most people think. Five percent of American adults experience serious thoughts of ending their lives each year. There are some factors, however, that can increase the likelihood of a person acting on these thoughts:
- Being part of a disproportionately affected population: LGBT+, older adults, veterans, adolescents, Native Americans, or survivors of a previous suicide attempt
- A mental health disorder, particularly mood disorders
- Impulsive or aggressive behaviors
- Health problems that are chronic and/or painful
- Family history of suicide attempts
- A big loss such as a job, housing, or an important relationship
- Isolation or loneliness
- Struggling to ask for or receive help
- Substance use issues
- Access to lethal means
- A history of trauma or abuse
- Working in a field with high rates of suicide
Spotting the Warning Signs
Just because someone falls into some of the categories above does not mean that they are suicidal, and someone can be suicidal without falling into the categories listed. The indicators that are most common among people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts include:
- An increase in substance use
- Writing, talking, or posting online about death or dying, suicide, feeling like a burden or trapped, or hopelessness
- An increase in aggression or impulsivity
- Big changes to hygiene, appearance, sleep patterns, or eating habits
- Engaging in self-harm behaviors
- Pulling away from loved ones and colleagues
- Mood swings
- Gathering the items they would use to kill themselves, such as sharp objects, pills, or guns and ammo
- Managing final details such as making a will, organizing personal papers, paying off debts, reviewing or purchasing life insurance, or giving away cherished possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family like they will never see them again
- Sudden improvement in mood after a period of being down can signal that they have made a plan for how they will kill themselves and are feeling relieved that their pain is nearly over
Having a Conversation
If you see indications that someone you know could be considering suicide, the most helpful thing you can do is talk to them. It’s probably going to be uncomfortable, but a direct and caring conversation is one of the most effective ways to know if someone needs support to stay safe.
- Pick a time and place that is quiet and calm.
- Tell them what you’ve seen that has you worried and ask how they are doing. “I know you’ve been going through a lot (offer examples), and I am worried about you. Many people who experience what you’ve been through have thoughts of ending their lives.”
- Listen without judgement or interruption. Don’t accuse them of being selfish, don’t try to convince them that suicide is immoral, and don’t raise your voice.
- Ask if they are considering killing themselves.
- If they indicate that they have thought about ending their life, tell them that you do not want them to die and ask if they have a plan for how they would do it.
- Make a plan to remove their access to items they are planning to use to kill themselves, especially firearms.
- Offer to help them contact their therapist, if they have one, or a crisis line, if they do not have a therapist.
- Stay with them until they are safe or arrange for someone to stay with them. This may involve helping them talk to other friends and family members.
- If they are unwilling or unable to make a plan to stay safe, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency department.
- In the days, weeks, and months after you have gotten them support, check back to see if they are okay and make sure they know they have your support. Try not to treat them differently than you did before. Continue to include them in activities you enjoyed together.
At Cottonwood, we offer treatment for a variety of mental health conditions that can place a person at higher risk for suicidal thoughts. We offer trauma-informed, personalized, evidence-based care for individuals who are ready to begin their healing journey.
