How to Identify Signs of Suicide and Learn Prevention Techniques

Effective suicide prevention requires everyone to be aware of the risk factors for suicide and know how to respond.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know the signs and symptoms of suicide
   
   Acting bizarre or unusual is a common sign. Friends or family exeriencing financial problems is a major contributing factor. Withdrawal from friends and activities and talk of suicide or killing someone else is a dead giveaway. Giving away property or disregard for what happens to someone’s property shows signs of a depressed mood and is usually displayed with feelings of hopelessness. The additional stress of a traumatic event or bad situation can make an individual feel overwhelmed and trapped by the situation.

2. How to act
   
   Ask the question directly, Are you thinking of killing yourself? Never leave the person alone until help is found. Actively listen to someone comtemplating suicide to produce relief. Remember, stay calm and objective. Don’t criticize or argue with your friend's thoughts and feelings, but listen and allow time for him/her to find words.

3. Escort the individual to a behavioral health professional, or a primary care provider for professional assistance.
   
   You helped save a life!

Tips & Warnings

• It is also important to note that people who are exposed to a loved one’s suicide have a heightened risk of suicide themselves.
• For more information about suicide and suicide prevention, including resources for faith-based communities in responding to and preventing suicide, please visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center website at www.sprc.org.