Survivors
of Suicide (SOS)
HELP! If someone you know is thinking about suicide… No single person can talk another
out of suicide alone. It takes
professional help and plenty of time for that suicidal person to get
well. Therefore your goal with helping
should be to assist the person-in-pain to seek a trained mental health
profession. DISCUSS SUICIDE OPENLY. Be direct when
asking about his/her suicidal intent.
Ask: “Are you thinking about
suicide?” or “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” As scary as the question might be –
asking it will not put the idea in their head. LISTEN! Listen to her/his feelings and express
your concern. Be supportive and encourage the person to talk about the
pain, fear loneliness, and anger that s/he is feeling. Don’t try to
argue that suicide is wrong or talk about how it will hurt others. Don’t use shame and guilt as these
techniques will only alienate him or her. DON’T KEEP A DEADLY SECRET! Inform teachers,
parents, siblings, spouses, other family members, trained professionals or
anyone who might be influential in encouraging the person-in-pain to seek
help. GET
PROFESSIANAL HELP! It is
impossible for a “layperson” to accurately assess if someone will “really
do it.” Therefore you should always
take suicide seriously and seek professional help. Visit the resource page (above) where
there ware organizations that can help you find a crisis center near
you. Encourage the suicidal person
to call a hotline. You can bring the
person to virtually any public hospital emergency room – 24-hours a
day. CALL THE POLICE if the person has a weapon,
has done something to initiate the suicide or you suspect that the person
is in imminent danger. NEVER LEAVE A SUICIDAL PERSON ALONE until the person is in the care of a professional help. 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 – even in a safe).
Call your local police department to inquire about the proper
storage or disposal of firearms off premises. Keep track of medications in the house
and destroy those not in use. Limit access to alcohol or other drugs as
these can increase the likelihood that the person will act out the suicidal
ideation. And finally, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Helping others
with such a serious crisis can be stressful, frustrating and exhausting, so
take time out for yourself to be good to you – YOU DERSERE IT!
Are you thinking
of killing yourself? (CLICK HERE)
E-mail any
questions or comments
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