Suicide Prevention

Suicide does not have one single cause. Certain factors like substance abuse and untreated depression can lead to higher risk of suicide just as having a trusted group of friends can help protect you. Read more about the warning signs of suicide, risk factors and protective factors of suicide.

Call 911 or the emergency service in your country if you see or hear the following:

• Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself or talking about wanting to die. Especially if the person has a weapon or item to hurt himself/herself. 

• Searching for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to lethal means-whether that is online or physically in the moment of despair. 

• Someone talking, writing, or posting on social media about death and suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself;

• Looking for a way to kill oneself;

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose;

• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain;

• Talking about being a burden to others;

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs;

• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless;

• Sleeping too little or too much;

• Withdrawing or feeling isolated;

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and

• Displaying extreme mood swings.

Risk factors do not cause or predict a suicide, rather they are characteristics that make it more likely an individual will consider, attempt or die by suicide.

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders

• Alcohol and other substance use disorders

• Hopelessness

• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies

• History of trauma or abuse

• Major physical or chronic illnesses

• Previous suicide attempt

• Family history of suicide

• Recent job or financial loss

• Recent loss of relationship

• Easy access to lethal means

• Local clusters of suicide

• Lack of social support and sense of isolation

• Stigma associated with asking for help

• Lack of health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment

• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

https://save.org/about-suicide/warning-signs-risk-factors-protective-factors/

Protective factors are characteristics that make a person less likely to engage in suicidal behavior. Moreover, protective factors can promote resilience and ensure connectedness with others during difficult times, thereby making suicidal behaviors less likely.

• Effective clinical care for mental, physical and substance use disorders

• Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions

• Restricted access to highly lethal means of suicide

• Strong connections to family and community support

• Support through ongoing medical and mental health care relationships

• Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution and handling problems in a non-violent way

• Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation

This list comes from SAMSHA’s Suicide Prevention Resource Center document, “Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide.”

To view the Examples of Risk and Protective Factors in a Social Ecological Model… click here.

How to discuss the difficult topic of suicide with your children:

BE AVAILABLE: Let your child know that he/she can talk to you anytime. SHOW that you want to hear what he/she has to say. Make sure nothing is off the table when it comes to discussion.

DISCUSS SUICIDE OPENLY: Be direct when asking about his/her suicidal intent. You must be willing to ask the questions….

Are you thinking about suicide?  Do you have a plan? Asking openly lets him/her know you are not frightened of the topic. Then you must….

LISTEN: Do not judge. Listen carefully for a plan and try to determine how clear it is. Express your concern; be supportive and encourage him/her to talk about their pain, fears, loneliness, anger, etc. Do not try and fix it. Do not argue that suicide is wrong or talk about how it will hurt others; don’t use shame or guilt. This will shut down the trust building process. Just listen, and then talk about a solution.

NEVER LEAVE A SUICIDAL PERSON ALONE: Stay with him/her or have someone who is aware of the suicidal intent to stay with him/her.

LIMIT ACCESS TO LETHAL MEANS: If there are guns in the house, remove them from the premises immediately (it is not enough to lock them up). Also if he/she has access to grandparents, aunts, uncles or friends homes that have guns, make sure they are aware of the threat and their guns are also removed. Keep track of medications in the house; this would also include relatives and friends homes. Limit access to alcohol and drugs.

KNOW WHAT YOUR TEEN IS DOING: It’s not about keeping tabs on your kids day or night. It’s about knowing the type of friends he/she is hanging out with. What do they talk about? If they change classes or quit sports find out WHY? Talk to teachers and counselors to find out if he/she are isolating themselves or spending more time with kids you might not know.

IT WILL GET BETTER: Let him/her know that suicide is a permanent choice to a temporary situation.

SEEK HELP: If outside help is needed make him/her feel OK about it. Also know that it takes sometimes three or four counselors before you find the one that he/she trusts and will open up to. This is normal even for adults.

MEDICATION: There is a black-box warning for medication prescribed for teens and young adults. READ the information.  KNOW that medication is not the fix.  Counseling should always be a part of the process.  Your son or daughter need to find ways to cope, to learn how to deal with issues in a positive manner.  Talking about it is critical.

CONSIDER FAMILY COUNSELING: In truth; Many times parents think if we could just fix “John or Mary” then everything would be fine. That is rarely the case.  It is proven that family counseling is much more effective as a family unit. It means that sometimes you will be in counseling as a family and other times each of you will talk to a counselor in private.  Don’t be afraid to seek help. Your insurance may provide benefits for mental health, or your company may provide an Employee Assistance Program.

Sleep and the Youth Brain: Parents should monitor sleep habits of your youth. New studies show that the youth brain needs eight to ten hours sleep each night. Uninterrupted sleep is a must. Electronics should be shut off by 9:00 pm and kids should not be allowed to use computers, phones, or other electronic media, after the suggested cut off time.  Parents should set the example and do the same with stopping electronics. Parents must be parents; set the rules and make sure there is accountability for disobeying the rules.

A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CHILD COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE!

PROJECT CONNECT

One effective tool to let he/she know that you are willing to listen without judging.  We suggest that you give him/her a keepsake. It does not have to be anything expensive, something that will remind them that they can talk to you. Take the time to write a hand written note, one from each parent with the following message:

I want you to know I will always be here for you. I love you and there is no problem that we can’t get through together. If you ever need to talk, but don’t know where to start, just give me this note. I agree to listen to you without judging. Regardless of what you say, I will do my best to remain calm. Remember, we will get through this together. There is nothing that could make me love you less. Remember, that I am also human. I may not always do or say the right thing or make the right decision, but I will always love you. (A portion of this message was taken in part from Project Hug).

 You must mean what you say in the message!

Sharing time each day with your child is one of the greatest gifts you can give. One on one time with each child every day will mean

http://www.contactlubbock.org/prevention---resources.html