How To Save A Life
by Clinicians at Ganey Counseling on 09/24/15
September is suicide prevention month. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness of suicide and increase the knowledge people have about suicide.
It is important to recognize that sometimes the warning signs are few and even if you pick up on them and try to help, help is not always wanted. It is important to do the best that we can to help someone but even if someone chooses to take their life it is important to recognize that it is not your fault.
That
being said, however, it is important to be educated on the signs of someone who
is struggling and contemplating or planning suicide. Thoughts of suicide can be
brought on by chronic pain or by a more acute pain that is brought on by a sudden
event that feels to painful to endure.
Warning
Signs
- Talk: If a person talks about:
o
killing themselves
o
having no reason to live
o
being a burden to others
o
feeling trapped
o
unbearable pain
- Behavior: a person's suicide risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, especially if it's related to a painful event, loss, or change.
o
increased use of alcohol or drugs
o
looking for a way to kill themselves, such as
searching online for materials or means
o
acting recklessly
o
withdrawing from activies
o
isolating from family and friends
o
sleeping too much or too little
o
visiting or calling people to say goodbye
o
giving away prized possessions
o
aggression
- Mood: People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods
o
depression
o
loss of interest
o
rage
o
irritabilty
o
Humiliation
o
anxiety
If
you are concerned for someone you know:
·
Be willing to talk about
suicide and ask questions. Talking to someone about suicide does not make them
more likely to try it.
·
Seek professional
assistance.
If A
Crisis Arises:
· Call 911 or transport person
directly to a hospital or crisis center for evaluation and treatment.
·
You may also reach the Lower
Bucks Suicide Prevention Hotline at 215.355.6000.
Submitted by: Sarah Loew, MS
