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Suicide Prevention and Education

 

What You Need to Know 

The latest report from the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that millions of people around the U.S. think about suicide each year.

What Leads to Suicide? "There is no one single cause. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair." -American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

If you or someone you know has been considering suicide, this page has information and resources that can help.

We care about you and your mental health.

 

How to Help Someone at Risk for Suicide

Five Steps Your Can Take to Help Someone Who is Feeling Suicidal

How to Help Someone Who Is Having Thoughts of Suicide – SAVE

Help Someone Else : Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org)

When a Friend Is Feeling Suicidal (verywellmind.com)

Helping a Loved One Who is Suicidal: SAMHSA_Toolkit_3182121

 

Conversation Examples

Here are a few examples of compassionate statements:

“I’m so sorry you’re going through this.” This statement shows that you care for and empathize with them.

“Can I bring you dinner? Would you like it if I came over?” Instead of asking if there’s anything you can do, think of a couple specific things that you could do to support them.

"You mean so much to me. I can’t imagine life without you.” Take a moment to let your friend know just how much you love and care for them. You might even remind them of a funny or heartwarming memory.

“I know that you’re in pain.” Again, validate how your friend is feeling and reiterate to them that you are there to help.

After listening to your friend, you can be more direct by asking the following questions:

Do you think about hurting yourself?

Do you think about dying?

Do you think your friends and family would be better off without you?

If they answer yes to any of these questions, then follow up with these questions:

Do you have a plan?

Do you have the means to carry out that plan?

If your friend answers no to these questions, encourage them to seek help from a counselor or therapist. You can offer to help them find resources.

If your friend answers yes to either of these questions, they could be actively suicidal. Seek help immediately by contacting their therapist if they have one, taking them to a hospital for an evaluation, or calling 911.

Assisting a suicidal individual, especially a family member or friend, is challenging; remember to take care of yourself!

Adapted from My Friend Is Suicidal: What Should I Do? | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

 

Additional Suicide Prevention Training Opportunities

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)—2 days
ASIST » LivingWorks Education

Suicide Alertness for Everyone (safeTalk)—4 hours
SafeTalk Suicide Prevention Course | LivingWorks

S.A.V.E.: VA Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training—1-2 hours
VA S.A.V.E. Training

Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) for Suicide Prevention—1.5 hours
Suicide Prevention Classes - NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org)

Emergency Resources

If you are currently in a life-threatening situation or your safety is at risk, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.

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