Identify and Help A Person Considering Suicide
The more aware all of us are of the signs of a person who may be considering suicide, the better our chances will be of helping NH get to its Zero Suicide goal. Immediate help is available by calling (800) 273-8255, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, available 24/hrs a day.
Eleven Signs a Person May Be Considering Suicide
Giving away prized possessions – without a specific reason such as a move to a smaller house or apartment.
Settling unfinished business with urgency
Experiencing sudden relief from worries and a burst of energy, following an extended period of despair.
Saying farewell to friends and family members, and making arrangements in the event of the person’s death.
Loss of hope and a growing sense of personal emptiness.
Inability to see options or solutions for problems; appearing confused or disoriented; a lack of organized thinking.
Impatience or impulsivity, especially when choices could jeopardize the safety of self and others.
Taking life-threatening risks; not controlling actions or reactions in dangerous situations.
Increased use of alcohol or other drugs and appearing to use substances to escape feelings of despair.
Direct or indirect references to self-harm in conversation, or recurrence of death themes in spoken, written, or other artistic expressions.
Talking about suicide -- particularly when they have a history of attempted suicide or family history that included the loss of a relative or close friend to suicide.
How To Respond To A Person Considering Suicide
Actively listen to the person and encourage them to express their feelings. Remind them they are NOT alone.
Don’t judge or lecture the person -- keep them engaged in a conversation focused on their feelings, thoughts, and choices.
Let them know that you care and offer your support.
Listen for “trigger” words and watch for actions that could suggest the person is feeling suicidal.
Ask the person directly about suicide. Potential questions to ask:
“Are you feeling like hurting yourself?”
“Are you thinking about ending your life?”
“Have you ever felt so down that you thought about killing yourself?”
“I’m worried about how you are acting. Is the possibility of suicide on your mind?”
Take all talk of suicide seriously and insist on getting help right away. Stay with your friend until you can get them in direct contact with a qualified professional who is trained to make an assessment of risk.
If you suspect suicide, don’t keep it to yourself --ask for the help of others who can make a difference. This is one instance where a traditional sense of confidentiality must be set aside.
Reduce the access to any means of self-harm. For example, insist that all firearms be removed from the person’s home immediately. Make sure over-the-counter medications and prescriptions are inaccessible as well. This precaution could be the difference between attempted suicide and a death.
Help the person connect with community resources: a suicide crisis hotline, emergency services at a local hospital, a private therapist, a school counselor or psychologist, a family physician, religious organization, or community mental health agency. Reach out for help by yourself if the person refuses to go with you.
Reassure the person that you care about them, that you and others want them to live, and that there is always an alternative to suicide.
Do your best to help, while realizing the person is responsible for their own choices and actions.