How to Prevent Suicides by Helping Others
Most suicidal individuals don't want to die; they just want their pain to stop. If you think a friend or family member may be considering suicide, you can help him just by reaching out to him and offering your support. Suicidal individuals are often afraid to ask others for help. By letting them know you are there for them, you can help prevent suicide.
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Identify Warning Signs
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Most suicidal individuals give warning signs or indications of their intentions to friends and family before attempting suicide. The first step in preventing suicide is recognizing warning signs. Some major warning signs include talking about committing suicide, becoming preoccupied with death and dying, and seeking out lethal tools such as knives or drugs. If a friend or family member shows signs of hopelessness, it may indicate that she is considering suicide. Keep an eye out for mood swings, sudden personality changes and listlessness -- also warning signs for suicide.
Talk
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If you recognize these suicidal warning signs in a friend or family member, talk to her about it. A common misconception about suicidal individuals holds that you shouldn't talk openly about suicide for fear of giving them ideas. On the contrary, addressing the topic of suicide directly to someone who is or may be suicidal is typically the best thing you can do for her. One way to begin a conversation is to tell the person that you have noticed she hasn't been her usual self lately. Once you have initiated the conversation, ask direct questions such as "Have you thought about suicide?" and "Have you thought about methods to use or a certain day to commit suicide?"
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Listen
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Listening plays a vital role in suicide prevention. Warning signs such as those described above are a cry for help. Any expression of suicidal thoughts or intentions is serious; treat it extremely seriously. One way to help suicidal individuals involves simply listening to them talk about what they're going through. Though the conversation will likely be negative and somewhat uncomfortable for you, the act of listening to the person talk about his feelings can help prevent him from committing suicide.
Get Help
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Though talking and listening to the individual can help her a great deal, she will likely need additional help to get past this difficult time in her life. Talk to her about getting help. If you are afraid that the person is planning on committing suicide soon, take her to the ER until the doctors there are sure they can release her safely. If you don't think the individual is in immediate danger, help her locate professional help from a counselor or a crisis line. Maintain your presence in her life, checking in on her to ensure she attends counseling sessions and takes prescribed medicine. Support from friends and loved ones plays a crucial role in helping suicidal individuals.
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References
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