August, 2002 Developed by Mary Ellen Copeland PO Box 301, West Dummerston, VT

August, 2002 Developed by Mary Ellen Copeland PO Box 301, West Dummerston, VT A person may be in danger of suicide if they: Say they are going to take their life Have severe, long-term depression Are drinking and using street drugs Have lost an important person or people, position or possessions Have quit their job, lost their job, been laid off or demoted Seem to have lost interest in life Seem to be putting their life in order and are giving away favorite possessions Continued

August, 2002 Developed by Mary Ellen Copeland PO Box 301, West Dummerston, VT T heir affect is flat or has changed from flat to very calm They are at the beginning of recovery, a risky time, when energy is up but thought patterns are still negative They are agitated or psychotic – a very dangerous time when help is needed immediately

August, 2002 Developed by Mary Ellen Copeland PO Box 301, West Dummerston, VT Develop strategies Develop strategies when you are well to prevent your own suicide like: Developing and using a Wellness Recovery Action Plan Arranging with your supporters so you are never alone when having suicidal thoughts Setting up a system with the pharmacist so you won't have excess medications on hand Getting rid of weapons and leftover pills Giving away car keys and credit cards when symptoms worsen Continued

August, 2002 Developed by Mary Ellen Copeland PO Box 301, West Dummerston, VT Keeping appointments with all care providers Keeping pictures of your favorite people in view Always having something to look forward to

August, 2002 Developed by Mary Ellen Copeland PO Box 301, West Dummerston, VT If you suspect a person is suicidal, take action, even if they don't want you to. It may be necessary to save their life.