“Don’t you know things can change / Things’ll go your way / If you hold on for one more day / Can you hold on for one more day?” ~ ”Hold On” by Wilson Phillips
Our community has felt the rippling effects of tragic suicides over the last year. We continue to grieve the loss of students and loved ones we miss so dearly. We know our community is not the only one experiencing the difficult aftermath of suicide, so we want to raise our voice to raise awareness.
Over the last few months, I have written two posts on the subject of teen suicide. Because this is such an important topic, I decided to split up my posts to do each one justice. First, I gave a general overview of teen suicide. Then I discussed the warning signs. Finally, I want to offer my personal and professional advice about how you can help.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24 hours a day): 1-800-273-8255
As I said, I dedicated an entire post to the warning signs someone considering suicide will likely exhibit. Please refer to that for a greater understanding on that subject. The main indicators are suicidal talk, self-harm, hopelessness, and neglecting appearance/friends/important activities.
If you see any of these warning signs in a friend or family member, the first thing you could do is talk about it. While it may be uncomfortable to discuss suicidal thoughts and behaviors, it may end up curbing a suicide attempt and saving a life. It is worth it! Some ideas to start this conversation could be something like, “I have been feeling concerned about you lately,” or, “Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing.” Similarly, you could say, “I wanted to check in with you because you have not seemed yourself lately.” If the person admits to feeling suicidal, you can then ask things like, “When did you begin feeling like this?” or, “Did something happen to make you start feeling this way?” as well as, “How can I best support you right now?” and even, “Have you thought about getting help?” Finally, words of comfort might include, “You are not alone in this. I’m here for you.” Another powerful idea is, “I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help,” as well as, “When you want to give up, tell yourself you will hold off for just one more day, hour, minute—whatever you can manage.”
If someone confides in you that he/she is considering suicide, evaluate the seriousness of the situation. Those at the highest risk for committing suicide in the near future have a specific suicide plan, the means to carry out the plan, a time set for doing it, and an intention to do it. Here is a suggestion for how to assess someone’s risk to suicide:
Low: Some suicidal thoughts. No suicide plan. Says he or she won’t attempt suicide.
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts. Vague plan that isn’t very lethal. Says he or she won’t attempt suicide.
High: Suicidal thoughts. Specific plan that is highly lethal. Says he or she won’t attempt suicide.
Severe: Suicidal thoughts. Specific plan that is highly lethal. Says he or she will attempt suicide.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24 hours a day): 1-800-273-8255
If it seems the person is in the low to moderate range, offer empathy and a listening ear. Let your loved one know that he or she is not alone and that you care. A teen’s school counselors, teachers, or administration are trained and equipped to help too! If you are afraid to talk to someone face to face, call or text a crisis line for advice and referrals. Where applicable, you can help your friend/family member locate a treatment facility or take them to doctor appointments. Overall, I highly recommend encouraging the person to see a certified mental health professional as soon as possible.
If the person is in the high to severe ranges, and a suicide attempt seems imminent, call a local crisis center, dial 911, or take the person to an emergency room immediately. Remove anything that could be potentially harmful, like guns, drugs, knives, and other lethal objects from the vicinity. Do not, under any circumstances, leave a suicidal person alone!
If you are the one experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, surround yourself with people you trust and get help. There are so many resources available today, including the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255) as well as counselors in the schools. They can be trusted to help you. Remember that suicide closely affects at least six people–often many more! Absolutely no one will be better off with you gone…quite the contrary, actually. You matter. You are worthy of love and life. Life is worth fighting for. Do not give up on yourself!
A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that does not mean help is not wanted. People who take their lives do not want to die—they simply want to escape the hurt. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide (or if you are considering taking your own life), be brave. Speak up. Get help. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life, including yours!
Resources:
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: “Suicide Stats”
- Cluff Counseling: “Beginning the Conversation: Teen Suicide”
- Cluff Counseling: “Choosing the Right Therapist for You”
- Cluff Counseling: “Continuing the Conversation on Teen Suicide: Warning Signs”
- Cluff Counseling: “Creating Conversation Around Your Mental Illness”
- Cluff Counseling: “Depression is Not a Life Sentence”
- Cluff Counseling: “The Early Indicators of Mental Illness”
- Cluff Counseling: “How To Rise and Shine”
- Cluff Counseling: “Teen Mental Health: Recognize it, Talk About it, Care for it”
- Cluff Counseling: “Taking the Stigma Out of Mental Illness”
- Cluff Counseling: “The Truth Behind the Increase in Teen Suicide”
- Find Your Words: “UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION: Depression and suicide”
- Healthy Children: “10 Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Suicide”
- Help Guide: “Suicide Prevention”
- Mayo Clinic: “Teen suicide: What parents need to know”
- Mayo Clinic: “What to Do When Someone Is Suicidal”
- Mental Health First Aid: “How to Help Someone Who is Suicidal”
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (24 hours a day)
- National Suicide Prevention Website
- Spinditty: “95 Songs About Suicide and Suicide Prevention”
- Stop Bullying Website
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline Live Chat
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Youth
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website
- Youth.gov: Suicide Prevention
- YouTube: “We See You – A Message To Students Everywhere”
