Understanding and Helping the Suicidal Person
Be Aware of the
Warning Signs
There is no typical suicide victim. It happens to young and
old, rich and poor. Fortunately there are some common warning signs which, when acted upon, can save lives. Here are some signs to look for:
A suicidal person might be suicidal
if he or she:
- Talks about committing suicide
- Has trouble eating or sleeping
- Experiences drastic changes in behavior
- Withdraws from friends and/or social activities
- Loses interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
- Prepares for death by making out a will and final arrangements
- Gives away prized possessions
- Has attempted suicide before
- Takes unnecessary risks
- Has had recent severe losses
- Is preoccupied with death and dying
- Loses interest in their personal appearance
- Increases their use of alcohol or drugs
What To Do
Here are some ways to be helpful to
someone who is threatening suicide:
- Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
- Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept
the feelings.
- Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right
or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.
- Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
- Don’t dare him or her to do it.
- Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.
- Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer
glib reassurance.
- Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
- Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis
intervention and suicide prevention.
Be Aware of
Feelings
Many people at some time in their lives think about
committing suicide. Most decide to live, because they eventually come to realize that the
crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On other hand, people having a crisis
sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These
are some of the feelings and things they experience:
- Can’t stop the pain
- Can’t think clearly
- Can’t make decisions
- Can’t see any way out
- Can’t sleep, eat or work
- Can’t get out of depression
- Can’t make the sadness go away
- Can’t see a future without pain
- Can’t see themselves as worthwhile
- Can’t get someone’s attention
- Can’t seem to get control
If you
experience these feelings, get help! If someone you know exhibits these symptoms,
offer help!
Contact:
- A community mental health agency
- A private therapist or counselor
- A school counselor or psychologist
- A family physician
- A suicide prevention or crisis center
The purpose of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
is to understand and prevent suicide. AAS promotes research, public awareness programs,
and education and training for professionals, survivors,
and interested lay persons. AAS serves as a national clearinghouse for information on
suicide. It has many resources and publications which are
available to the general public and to its members. For membership,
publications and resource information, contact:
American Association Of Suicidology
4201 Connecticut, Ave., NW. Suite 408
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 237-2280
http://www.suicidology.org
Source: American Association of Suicidology
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