1. EVERY SUICIDE IS DIFFERENT
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THESE ARE GUIDELINES
EVERY SUICIDE IS DIFFERENT
IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS OR FEEL SUICIDAL
You are not alone,
GET HELP!!!

2. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number: TALK (8255).

3. Suicide
Fatal self-inflicted destructive act with explicit or inferred intent to die
Suicidal behavior runs from a continuum of thinking about:
Ending one’s life
To developing a plan
To nonfatal suicidal behavior
To the actual ending of one’s life

4. Some Suicide Myths
It is dangerous to ask people if they are contemplating suicide
People who talk about suicide do not commit the act
Suicide can’t be prevented, it happens on impulse
Suicidal people are intent on dying and will ultimately succeed despite all intervention
Only mentally ill people commit suicide
If the suicidal person seems happy, and at peace with themselves, then the risk is over
The propensity for suicide is inherited
Most suicidal young people never seek or ask for help with their problems.
Suicidal young people are always angry when someone intervenes and they will resent that person afterwards.
Every death is preventable.
People who threaten suicide are just seeking attention
Suicide is painless

5. High risk behavior for suicide
Research has shown that the following behaviors are very high risk for attempted and/or completed suicide:
Feeling helpless, hopeless and pain (physical and/or emotional)
History of previous attempts
Having a plan and the means to carry it out

6. RISK FACTORS (CDC) Family history of suicide
Family history of child maltreatment
Previous suicide attempt(s)
History of mental disorders, particularly clinical depression
History of alcohol and substance abuse
Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, pain (physical and psychological)
Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
Cultural and religious beliefs (e.g., belief that suicide is noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
Local epidemics of suicide
Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people
Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
Physical illness
Easy access to lethal methods –especially firearms
Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or to suicidal thoughts

7. How can we prevent suicide?

8. 5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain https://www. nimh
Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at risk individual  if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
Keep them safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
Be there: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

9. YOUR SAFETY IS FIRST AND FOREMOST!!!
Help them connect: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone so it’s there when you need it: TALK (8255). You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
Stay Connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. The number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.
YOUR SAFETY IS FIRST AND FOREMOST!!!

10. When You Fear Someone May Take Their Own Life
Most suicides give some warning of their intentions. The most effective way to prevent a friend or loved one from taking their life is to recognize when someone is at risk, take the warning signs seriously and know how to respond.
Take It Seriously
Seventy-five percent of all suicides give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.
All suicide threats and attempts must be taken seriously.
Be Willing to Listen
Take the initiative to ask what is troubling them and persist to overcome any reluctance to talk about it.
If professional help is indicated, the person you care about is more apt to follow such a recommendation if you have listened to him or her.
If your friend or loved one is depressed, don't be afraid to ask whether he or she is considering suicide, or even if they have a particular plan or method in mind.

11. Seek Professional Help
Do not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide.
Rather, let the person know you care and understand, that he or she is not alone, that suicidal feelings are temporary, that depression can be treated and that problems can be solved.
Avoid the temptation to say, "You have so much to live for," or "Your suicide will hurt your family."
Seek Professional Help
Be actively involved in encouraging the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. Individuals contemplating suicide often don't believe they can be helped, so you may have to do more.
For example, a suicidal college student resisted seeing a psychiatrist until his roommate offered to accompany him on the visit. A 17-year-old accompanied her younger sister to a psychiatrist because her parents refused to become involved.
You can make a difference by helping the person in need of help find a knowledgeable mental health professional or reputable treatment facility.

12. Suicide Factors that buffer suicide risk Ability to solve problems
High levels of self-esteem
Confidence in one’s problem-solving ability
General feelings of social support and support from family
Secure attachment
Suicide beliefs (not regarding suicide as a personal option)
Factors that comprise high resilience include the ability to make positive assessments of one’s life circumstances and to feel in control over these circumstances.
Low resilience occurs with high levels of perfectionism and hopelessness .

13. Do not leave them alone until help is available.
In an Acute Crisis
In an acute crisis, take your friend or loved one to an emergency room or walk-in clinic at a (psychiatric) hospital.
Do not leave them alone until help is available.
Remove from the vicinity any firearms, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
Hospitalization may be indicated and may be necessary at least until the crisis abates.
If the above options are unavailable, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at TALK.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

14. Protective factors against suicide
Factors that buffer suicide risk
Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, nonviolent ways of handling disputes
Self-esteem and a sense of purpose or meaning in life
Connectedness: feelings of social support and support from family and/or friends
Access to mental health resources and support for seeking help
Personal, cultural and/or religious beliefs that discourage suicide
Life skills, including coping skills and ability to adapt to change .