A comprehensive prevention system includes suicide-specific crisis services, peer support programs and community initiatives that promote connectedness. It also includes life skills training and resilience building.
Health care professionals have long struggled to understand and prevent suicide. They have tried hotlines, individual therapy and group therapy, shock therapy and piled on psychiatric medications with ever-increasing side effects.
1. Know the Warning Signs
Suicide is a tragic reaction to difficult life situations that can be prevented. Learn more about the warning signs of suicide and how to recognize them in yourself or a loved one.
Some of the risk factors include: previous suicide attempts, a history of trauma (like sexual, emotional or physical abuse), a psychiatric diagnosis, financial problems, relationship difficulties, a terminal illness, and a lack of support systems. Other risk factors are sudden changes in behavior or a significant change in friends, family members, school activities and interests, and an appearance of anger, anxiety or depression.
If someone you know talks about or shows a desire for suicide, take it seriously. Talk to them and make a safety plan with them. If they are in immediate danger, call 911 and remove potential means of harm.
2. Be Empathetic
The best way to help a friend in danger is by listening and empathizing. Try to see things from their point of view, even if you disagree. It’s important to find commonalities, such as similar interests or a shared experience. For example, if you have polar opposite political views, you may find that the fact that your kids go to the same school helps create empathy.
Empathy can be a life-saving tool for someone struggling with suicide. But it is also important to continue support over the long haul, especially if they are at risk for suicide again in the future.
Studies show that increasing a person’s sense of belonging and social support reduces suicide risk. This can be done through programs that target specific population groups, reducing isolation and promoting emotional support.
3. Talk to Your Teen
Teens and young people often need to express their feelings. Parents, caregivers and teachers should check-in with kids and teens often to understand how they are feeling and respond with empathy. Threats of suicide are a cry for help and should be taken very seriously.
Do not be afraid to ask your teen directly about suicidal thoughts. Talking about it won’t plant ideas of self-harm in their mind and often helps. During times of crisis, help your child or teen make a safety plan and remove potential means of suicide such as pills (over-the-counter and prescription), weapons (including knives and razors) and chemicals. Getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly and maintaining healthy eating are also important.
4. Make a Safety Plan
A safety plan is a series of steps that you follow when thoughts of suicide come up. It can help someone manage their suicidal feelings until they feel safe enough to take care of themselves or reach out for professional help.
It’s best to make a safety plan at a time when you are not in a crisis, so that it is ready to use. It should include your crisis warning signs, coping strategies and distraction techniques and emergency contacts like 911.
You may also want to include in your plan things that will distract you from acting on those urges – for example, going outside or watching a movie. See Papyrus’ Coping Strategies and Distraction Techniques for more ideas. Ideally, your safety plan should be stored somewhere that your abuser cannot find it, so that it can be used when needed.
5. Remove Potential Means
It is important to remove or lock up pills (over the counter and prescription), knives, razors, chemicals, ropes and firearms when someone says they are suicidal. Research shows that people at risk for suicide often have access to lethal means and that removing these items can help keep them safe.
Teachers play a crucial role in suicide prevention because they interact daily with students who may be struggling. Teachers can identify warning signs and support their students in getting professional help.
Connecting the Dots is a free online training tool that helps participants explore shared risks and protective factors across multiple forms of violence in communities. This tool can be used in school and community settings to prevent bullying, gang involvement and youth suicide.