Eric Miller, MBA, BA Veteran Navigator Suicide Prevention Eric Miller, MBA, BA Veteran Navigator

Objectives Awareness Myths about suicide Data on suicide Warning signs How to help someone who is considering suicide Resource guide

Awareness Suicide is the top leading cause of psychiatric emergencies Males are four times more likely to die by suicide than females For every suicide death there are 5 hospitalizations and 22 emergency room visits for suicidal behaviors –over 670,000 visits per year Every 17 minutes an American dies by suicide. Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in American. (QPR institute)

Myths and Realities about Suicide Myth: Asking about suicide may lead a Veteran to take his or her life. Reality: Asking about suicide does not create suicidal thoughts. The act of asking the question simply gives the Veteran permission to talk about his or her thoughts or feelings. Myth: There are talkers and there are doers. Reality: Most people who die by suicide have communicated some intent. Myth: If somebody really wants to die by suicide, there is nothing you can do about it. Reality: Most suicidal ideas are associated with treatable disorders. Helping someone connect with treatment can save a life. Myth: He or she really wouldn’t die by suicide because …he just made plans for a vacation, she has young children at home, he made a verbal or written promise, she knows how dearly her family loves her. Reality: The intent to die can override any rational thinking.

Michigan Veteran Suicide Data Sheet U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), (2018, May 8). Michigan Veteran Suicide Data Sheet - VA Mental Health. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/Suicide-Data-Sheet-Michigan.pdf

RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE History of suicide attempt Family history of suicide or suicide attempts Chronic pain Mental health or substance abuse diagnosis Homelessness Limited social supports Access to lethal means (guns) History of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) Financial problems Impulsivity

RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE Mental health disorders Prior suicide attempts Social isolation Physical illness Unemployment Family conflict/Loss Family history of suicide Impulsivity Incarceration Hopelessness Seasonal variation Serotonin dysfunction Agitation, insomnia Childhood trauma Exposure to suicide Homelessness Combat exposure Low self-esteem, shame

Warning Signs and Symptoms KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS Threats or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation, can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here” but can become more overt and dangerous Increased alcohol and drug use Aggressive behavior Social withdrawal from friends, family and the community Dramatic mood swings Talking, writing or thinking about death Impulsive or reckless behavior

Warning Signs and Symptoms Any person exhibiting these behaviors should get care immediately: Putting their affairs in order and giving away their possessions Saying goodbye to friends and family Mood shifts from despair to calm Planning, possibly by looking around to buy, steal or borrow the tools they need to complete suicide, such as a firearm or prescription medication

Warning Signs and Symptoms Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change: Increased use of alcohol or drugs Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for materials or means Withdrawing from activities Isolating from family and friends Sleeping too much or too little Visiting or calling people to say goodbye Giving away prized possessions Aggression Fatigue

Mood People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods: Depression Anxiety Loss of interest Irritability Humiliation Agitation Rage (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING SUICIDE: Know the risk factors and warning signs Talk openly with your loved one, or your friend Show care and concern Take the person’s threats of suicide seriously Never underestimate the power of understanding and support Obtain professional help Call an ambulance or law enforcement personnel in an emergency and transport person to a hospital Do not sound shocked Do not promise anything you can’t guarantee Do not argue with the person Do not argue about moral issues Do not leave the person alone Do not agree to keep the suicide threat a secret Do not remain the only person providing help

CONVINCE YOUR SUICIDAL LOVED ONE TO GET HELP BY CALLING: Contact your family Doctor; Contact your Chaplain/Pastor; Contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) *Press 1; Escort them to the closest Hospital Emergency Room; Call 911 for imminent risk

Resources Veteran Crisis line/ Suicide Prevention Lifeline -1-800-273-8255 to talk to someone Start a confidential online chat session at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat Send a text message to 838255 to connect to a VA responder Take a self-check quiz at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/quiz If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, find a facility near you - https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/GetHelp/ResourceLocator.aspx Visit www.MilitaryCrisisLine.net if you are Active Duty, Reserve, or Guard Connect through chat, text, or TTY if you are deaf or hard of hearing Emergency Room CALL 211 Community Mental Health Facilities Local VetCenter Buddy to Buddy - 1-888-822-8339, http://m-span.org/buddy