Suicide Prevention Ideas

[PollyannaMom]

S/O of recent threads, and especially one post that mentioned seeing more in the media lately about suicide hotlines, etc.

I had also noticed that, and think it's great to spread the info! The one my news mentioned this morning was:

................800-273-TALK (800-273-2255)

..............& it also said you could text C2T to 741741



So this is place for ideas to help prevent suicides. Throw out ideas (however impractical - no laughing at anyone!) Share what places you think we need to post hotline numbers, things we can do for each other, things we can do for ourselves in case we ever become ill, ways we can improve society and community resources...whatever's floating through your head.


I'll start with one kind of "out there" idea - encouraging people to make videos of themselves, while happy and healthy, reminding themselves not to listen to suicidal feelings, to think of their loved ones, etc. - I was wondering if people's own voices would override the ones that were really the illness talking? (And, of course, how could we ingrain it in people to actually play those back before doing something horrible?)

 

[ronandannette]

Very timely and I, for one, would very much like to know what the people on those hotlines actually say when they are working with someone in crisis.

 

[dotfurio]

I'd like to throw in the Trevor Project, which helps out LGBTQ youth in crisis. They have a phone line (866-488-7386), online chat, and text messaging (text TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200). Unfortunately only the phone line is 24/7, but I love that texting is an option for this and the other suicide hotline.

I put the number in DDs phone, but I don't think she's ever called it. I don't know what what the answer is to help because I think when someone is in a truly dark place they won't be likely to reach out to a hotline, or anyone for that matter. We just try to keep communication open with DD and when she's in a bad place, feeling all alone, we make sure she knows were here. I don't know that we'd be able to recognize it if she really tried to hide her mood, though.

Social media hasn't been a trigger for DD, but I know it has been for so many other youth. I'd love to see some way to get some positivity and support advertising on there. But then maybe seeing advertising for a suicide hotline after just reading something horrible might put the wrong idea in someones head.

 

[sonnyjane]

Definitely not saying this is for everyone, but my mom got me a cat / basically something I’d be responsible for taking care of... a reason to stick around. In my specific case it worked. Studies have shown that people with pets live longer in general anyway.

 

[kimblebee]

Definitely not saying this is for everyone, but my mom got me a cat / basically something I’d be responsible for taking care of... a reason to stick around. In my specific case it worked. Studies have shown that people with pets live longer in general anyway.

My husband had a dog and he lives and breathes for it. Yes, me and my daughter are important too, but there’s something different with the dog.

 

[kimblebee]

Canada’s Suicide Hotline is

1-833-456-4566

 

[sonnyjane]

My husband had a dog and he lives and breathes for it. Yes, me and my daughter are important too, but there’s something different with the dog.

I don’t pretend to know the logic behind it, but someone mentioned in the other thread that sometimes those that take their lives feel that their (human) family members would be better off without them and their problems. Maybe animals are different and the person suffering can reason that their animal depends on them? Just a thought.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

For many years - decades, even - here in the greater Boston/MA area we've had a suicide prevention group called the Samaritans. On all the bridges there are Samaritans signs saying, "Call us if you're thinking of suicide, we're here to help" or something to that effect. They've no doubt saved countless lives. Giving them a shout out here:

https://samaritanshope.org/

Timeline: https://samaritanshope.org/about-us/timeline/

ETA: "2.6 million calls, chats, and texts since 1974". Great work.

 

[danielocha30]

Validate your feelings, cry if you need to, being strong all the time doesn’t do any good.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

- Information on Suicide from the CDC:

https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/

- Steps to help someone at risk

1. Ask.
2. Keep them safe.
3. Be there.
4. Help them connect.
5. Follow up.

- Find out how this can save a life by visiting: www.BeThe1To.com


Be the one to save a life: http://www.bethe1to.com/

 

[anniemae]

I think it's important to be there for each other. Just be there. If you know someone is struggling, reach out. Go out for coffee, a walk, a meal. Just reach out. sometimes a small gesture can have a big impact on someone.

 

[JPPT1974]

Here are some signs to warn about if those you feel may be considering it:
1. Loss of appetite
2. Lack or too much sleep
3. Even talking about it sends off red flags
4. Loss of a job, marriage/relationship
5. Hurting themselves with cuts

Just to name a few.

 

[lorijohnhill]

sometimes those that take their lives feel that their (human) family members would be better off without them and their problems.

This exactly. I know that’s how I feel. I’ve been fortunate that there has always been something or someone that has prevented me from suicide. The last time, (my meds were off at the time, they have since been adjusted and I’m doing fine) I had a bottle of my meds in hand, counting to see if I had enough to do the job and not just make things worse. In my mind, surviving would have been the worst thing that could happen. I would be more trouble for everyone. Just at the right moment someone called me. This person preferred to text, didn’t really like the phone, but at that moment he picked up the phone and called. It made all the difference.

It doesn’t take grand gestures to help someone in need. The little things count A LOT. A simple phone call. Let someone know they have worth, they are important. Sometimes this needs to be said repeatedly. A big one... pay attention. Look they in the eye to see if they are really ok. If you see that dead expression, don’t let them go. I know there is a fine line there, but taking a moment to pay attention to mannerisms can help tell you if they need help.

I know for me, I won’t ask for help. That would just be one more burden I’m placing on others. I’m really good at pretending everything is fine. I know how to plaster a fake smile on my face and sell it.

Another thing to remember is that suicide is seldom a selfish act. Many honestly believe they are doing the best thing they can for their family and friends.

Sorry for the book...

 

[Jaspers]

Definitely not saying this is for everyone, but my mom got me a cat / basically something I’d be responsible for taking care of... a reason to stick around. In my specific case it worked.

I can say that thinking about my cats has helped when I've been feeling like I wouldn't have anything to live for anymore. Asking myself "If I was gone, who would feed the cats?" was beneficial. While I've never felt like I have any kind of purpose in life, it helps to remind myself about the important things.

 

[jerseygal]

This exactly. I know that’s how I feel. I’ve been fortunate that there has always been something or someone that has prevented me from suicide. The last time, (my meds were off at the time, they have since been adjusted and I’m doing fine) I had a bottle of my meds in hand, counting to see if I had enough to do the job and not just make things worse. In my mind, surviving would have been the worst thing that could happen. I would be more trouble for everyone. Just at the right moment someone called me. This person preferred to text, didn’t really like the phone, but at that moment he picked up the phone and called. It made all the difference.

It doesn’t take grand gestures to help someone in need. The little things count A LOT. A simple phone call. Let someone know they have worth, they are important. Sometimes this needs to be said repeatedly. A big one... pay attention. Look they in the eye to see if they are really ok. If you see that dead expression, don’t let them go. I know there is a fine line there, but taking a moment to pay attention to mannerisms can help tell you if they need help.

I know for me, I won’t ask for help. That would just be one more burden I’m placing on others. I’m really good at pretending everything is fine. I know how to plaster a fake smile on my face and sell it.

Another thing to remember is that suicide is seldom a selfish act. Many honestly believe they are doing the best thing they can for their family and friends.

Sorry for the book...

CONTINUE taking care of yourself, ONE day at a time! I try to remember that it ONLY TAKES A MINUTE to ask someone how they are and empathize. All of us go through very rough times and if you feel you need an outside professional, seek help till you "connect" with someone. Sometimes it takes a few people before you feel comfortable enough for a professional to help guide you through the rough times in life. HAVE FAITH and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

 

[jerseygal]

MAY GOD BLESS all who are struggling with strength. BELIEVE in yourself and be kind and patient with yourself!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Sorry for the book...

Please don't apologize! - This kind of post is exactly what many people have been asking for. They want to know specifically how to help people. Thank you for taking the time to answer, and I'm so glad you're doing better now!

 

[CarolAnn856]

This exactly. I know that’s how I feel. I’ve been fortunate that there has always been something or someone that has prevented me from suicide. The last time, (my meds were off at the time, they have since been adjusted and I’m doing fine) I had a bottle of my meds in hand, counting to see if I had enough to do the job and not just make things worse. In my mind, surviving would have been the worst thing that could happen. I would be more trouble for everyone. Just at the right moment someone called me. This person preferred to text, didn’t really like the phone, but at that moment he picked up the phone and called. It made all the difference.

It doesn’t take grand gestures to help someone in need. The little things count A LOT. A simple phone call. Let someone know they have worth, they are important. Sometimes this needs to be said repeatedly. A big one... pay attention. Look they in the eye to see if they are really ok. If you see that dead expression, don’t let them go. I know there is a fine line there, but taking a moment to pay attention to mannerisms can help tell you if they need help.

I know for me, I won’t ask for help. That would just be one more burden I’m placing on others. I’m really good at pretending everything is fine. I know how to plaster a fake smile on my face and sell it.

Another thing to remember is that suicide is seldom a selfish act. Many honestly believe they are doing the best thing they can for their family and friends.

Sorry for the book...

No apologies needed! This is exactly what may help someone give a friend or family member the right assistance. You have no idea how much of a difference this post may make in someone's life. Hugs to you as you fight your own battle.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I think that people need to know that it's okay to NOT be okay, especially certain populations like mothers, law enforcement, medical careers, etc.

 

[lovemygoofy]

So my title is Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Dept of the Army.

Don't be afraid to ask if someone is thinking of suicide. It will NOT plant the idea in their head.
Listen to their story about all that is going on and don't judge, don't minimize and don't try to fix it.
Get them help whether a national hotline, a hospital, person of faith and be there with them.
If it is emergency call for immediate help. Ask for suicide health and welfare check.
If you know someone in struggling or had thoughts of suicide, limit access to impulsive actions with lethal means (knives, guns, pills, things)
Contagion suicide is very popular with young people.
If you are allowing teens to watch 13 Reasons Why on Netflix start engaging them in conversation. There is several sites that have talking points on PDF.

Ask what's going on in someone's life. Listen!! Be there and engaged.

Let me tell you scary demographic on the rise for suicide. 10-14 and 15-24 year old. People will teenagers NEED to start having these questions. Asking what's going on in their lives and at school or after school. Get them off the phones and screens and engage them in real life. It's becoming very well documented that children age 16-19 feel more lonely than senior citizens. They feel more disassociated from life events and family/friends. This is generation that needs the popularity of their online network almost more than their family.

Number one killer of this age group is relationships. It particular hit demographic of 18-27 single males within 2 weeks of a broken relationship
Number one killer of men age 42+ is typically financial issues.
Women are more likely to use pills to kill themselves.

One the highest demographics on the rise is 10-14 years. We have to start talking about suicide and making sure we talk about suicide should be a very very very last option not a first reaction. Do not be afraid to talk about suicide.

Some resources include project semi colon for those that have attempted and need a resource group.
Suicide the Ripple Effect is movie released by Kevin Hines. He jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge and lived to tell his story.
Go online and watch a Ted talk with Kevin Hines. He is very open his mental health issues and struggles today.

Here in Indiana we have website HaveHope.Com Even if it is not your state you can read some great ways to engage for conversation and look for signs.

For those that might want to take a class. QPR(Question, Persuade, and Refer) is a great class. If you want more in depth class and would likely need to know how to hold intervention for someone that could be suicidal look for ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). It is a 2 day class with lots role play with a person at risk and how to look for signs of suicide and have the conversation and what to do should someone be in the act of suicide at the moment.

Above all else just care for each other. To know someone is there and care enough to listen or ask counts for more than we give credit for