Suicide

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month, so what better time than now to talk about Suicide.  

SUICIDAL IDEATION:  This refers to someone thinking about killing themselves, entertaining thoughts of DEATH, and perhaps considering a PLAN of how they will end their life. 

SUICIDE ATTEMPT is when someone carries out a potentially lethal plan, but lives through it, sometimes completely unscathed.  Other times the person lives through the SUICIDE ATTEMPT, but not without serious injury, such as medical emergencies related to Overdose, Gunshot wounds, and the like.  

SUICIDE which is defined as an actual DEATH INTENTIOINALLY caused by a self-directed injurious behavior with the intent to die.  

RISK FACTORS: 
*Mental Illness with Depression being the most prevalent; also Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use Disorders, Schizophrenia/Psychosis, PTSD
*Crying out for help
*Loneliness and Isolation
*Feeling like a Failure
*Impulsivity
*Family History of Suicide
*Terminal Illnesses

PROTECTIVE FACTORS: 
*Faith or Belief System
*Family/Friends/Pets 
*Sense of Responsibility to someone or something
*Lack of access to the means of a suicide plan

WARNING SIGNS: 
*Acting differently:     Different Sleep/Appetite patterns 
                                               Withdrawal/Isolation
                                                Appearing Anxious or Agitated
                                                Looking Depressed 
                                                Becoming Impulsive; doing things out of character 
                                                Becoming Angry or full of Rage; focusing on Revenge
*Talking about being a Burden to others
*Feeling Hopeless/Helpless
*Feelings of having No Purpose in life
*Talking about extreme Guilt 
*Researching ways to commit Suicide 
*Focusing on Death
*Writing good by letters 
*Giving away prized possessions 
*Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself 

WHAT YOU CAN DO: 
*Talk to the person.  Ask them if they are ok.  Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves.   Use good listening skills and let the person know they are being heard.  Don't try to minimize what they are going through or try to convince them that things really aren't that bad.  

*Keep the person safe.  Eliminate potential methods of Suicide such as guns, lethal medications, ropes, etc.  Enlist the help of someone close to the person and who the person trusts.  

*Help CONNECT the person to a professional for help.  Help the person call the National Suicide Prevention number: 1-800-273-8255 (Press option 1 for Veterans).  Help the person connect with treatment at a Community Mental Health Center or other Mental Health agency.  Contact clergy if indicated or wanted by the person.  Call 911 if there is eminent risk of suicide. 

*Stay connected with the person after the Crisis.