TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE
TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE
When you CARE (Connect, Accept, Respond, Empower), you can potentially save a life. Remember, you are not responsible for anyone who chooses to take their own life.
Embedded Files
If you recognize some of the warning signs of suicide in someone you know, or feel that someone you know is at risk for suicide, there are steps you can take to help.
We all can recognize and reduce the risk of suicide.
Certain risk factors can increase a person’s risk for suicide. Keep in mind that recognizing these factors in yourself or others does not automatically mean you are suicidal or that someone is considering suicide.
Recognizing the Risk of Suicide
FACTORS OF THE MIND AND BODY:
Recognizing the Risk of Suicide
FACTORS OF THE MIND AND BODY:
History or signs of depression
History of mental illness
History of being abused or mistreated
History of self-injury
Tendency to be impulsive
Major physical illness
Affective disorders (i.e. mood disorders)
Previous suicide attempt(s)
FACTORS FROM YOUR ENVIRONMENT:
FACTORS FROM YOUR ENVIRONMENT:
Barriers to mental health services
Lack of community support
Homelessness
A death or relationship breakup
A job loss or change in financial security
Feeling unsafe
Family history of suicide
High stress family environment or dynamic
Academic or family crisis
Easy access to lethal materials
FACTORS YOU TAKE PART IN, EXPERIENCE OR LEARN:
FACTORS YOU TAKE PART IN, EXPERIENCE OR LEARN:
Risky health behaviors (e.g. substance abuse, unsafe sex practices, etc.)
Lack of support from other youth
Cultural or religious beliefs that suggest suicide as a solution
Exposure to suicide through the media, family, friends or co-workers
Unwillingness to seek help
Non-suicidal self-injury
Victimization at home or in school
Difficulty in school, failing grades, bullying others
Reducing the Risk of Suicide
Reducing the Risk of Suicide
There are many ways to lower someone’s risk of suicide, such as having:
Easy access to effective, culturally competent care
Support from medical and mental health care professionals
Coping, problem solving and conflict resolution skills
Restricted access to highly lethal means of suicide (e.g. firearms)
Strong connections to family members
Connectedness to safe schools
Academic, artistic, athletic achievements
Nonviolent problem solving and conflict resolution
Family acceptance for their sexual orientation and/or gender identity
Positive connections with friends who share similar interests
Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide
Positive role models and self esteem
Learning the warning signs of suicide is a huge part of preventing a crisis.
Learning the warning signs of suicide is a huge part of preventing a crisis. Although emotional ups and downs are normal, sometimes a person who is suicidal gives certain signs or hints that something is wrong. Knowing these major warning signs can help you connect someone you care about to support if they need it – even if that person is yourself.
Have you or someone you know felt…?
Unimportant
Trapped
Hopeless
Overwhelmed
Unmotivated
Alone
Irritable
Impulsive
Suicidal
Do you or someone you know…?
Not care about their future: “It won’t matter soon anyway.”
Put themselves down – and think they deserve it: “I don’t deserve to live. I suck.”
Express hopelessness: “Things will never get better for me.”
Say goodbye to important people: “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I’ll miss you.”
Have a specific plan for suicide: “I’ve thought about how I’d do it.”
Talk about feeling suicidal: “LIfe is so hard. Lately I’ve felt like ending it all.”
Have you or someone you know been…?
Using drugs or alcohol more than usual
Acting differently than usual
Giving away their most valuable possessions
Losing interest in their favorite things to do
Admiring people who have died by suicide
Planning for death by writing a will or letter
Eating or sleeping more or less than usual
Feeling more sick, tired or achy than usual
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you are not alone. We are here for you 24/7 on the YOU Lifeline (9810256200) – that means all day and night, every weekend, each holiday, and beyond.
If you recognize these signs in someone you know, encourage them to ask for help. If they need support, empower them to call the You Lifeline at to talk with a trained volunteer counselor. We are here 24/7 – that means all day and night, every weekend, and every holiday.
Page updated
Report abuse