If some one you know is thinking about suicide,
there is help for him.
Someone you know - an acquaintance, a friend, or a colleague -
may have revealed (or you may think) that he is having thoughts
about suicide. Talking with the individual and getting immediate
help is the most effective way to save his life.
The Needham Suicide Prevention Coalitions encourages Acknowledge, Care
and Tell, A.C.T., approach to
helping others. Below are some signs of possible suicidality
in adults and suggestions about how to use the A.C.T. approach.
Signs of Possible Suicidal Risk
- Threatening to or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
- Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms,
available pills, or other means
- Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide when these
actions are out of the ordinary for the person
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
- Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities—seemingly
without thinking
- Feeling trapped-like there’s no way out
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Feeling anxious, agitated or being unable to sleep or sleeping
all the time
- Experiencing dramatic mood changes
- Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in
life
Acknowledge, Care, and Tell
Talking with someone about your concern involves addressing a
major stigma about mental illness that exists today in our community. The
Needham Suicide Prevention Coalition is a group of community members
committed to preventing suicide and reducing the stigma of mental
illness. If you think you may need some help talking with someone
you are concerned about get some advice and support. Call the Riverside
Mental Health Center’s Emergency Line 781 769 8674, your
medical provider, clergy, the Samaritans 877 870 HOPE, or
the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800 273 8255, and explain
your concerns and ask for some support in your efforts to help
out. Below are guidelines endorsed by the Needham Suicide Preventions
Coalition.
Acknowledge
Speak directly and tell the individual that you are concern that
he may be thinking about hurting or killing himself, (70% of individuals
with suicidal intent give some warning signs). For example, you
could say the following:
- “This is hard to say, but I think Jim that you may be/are
considering ending your life and I am very worried.”
Clearly and without judgment, state the behaviors that give you
this concern. For example,
- “ You have made many comments about how hopeless you
feel and you have withdrawn from all of your friends.”
Ask directly if this individual is thinking of hurting or killing
himself and what is his plan. For example,
- “ I want to know if you have been thinking about ending
your life or hurting yourself. Do you have a plan? What is the
plan?”
You can not make anyone more suicidal by talking with him, you
can only reduce his isolation and bring hope and help.
Care
- Let the person know that you care and you want to get them
help.
- Tell him that you do not want him to be alone with these thoughts
and feelings.
- Reassure him that he can and will feel better no matter how
he feels now. Give a real sense of hope. Tell him that suicidal
thoughts can seem very strong but are temporary and will remit
in time with help and treatment.
- Stay with him or find a responsible adult to stay with him
until emergency help is secured. Reassure him that he is not
alone.
Tell
- If the individual is willing to get help; tell
him that you are calling Riverside’s Emergency Service
, 781 769 8674 or 800 529 5077, for help for suicidal thoughts
and feelings. The emergency clinician will talk with him
and work out a plan to get help, most likely to go to a nearby
emergency room where he will be seen by an emergency service
provider. Make sure someone accompanies him to get help.
- If the individual is unwilling to get help; attempt
to have someone stay with him and call the Riverside Emergency
Services 781 769 8674 or 800 529 5077. Explain the situation
to the emergency clinician who can determine whether this individual
should be evaluated against his will. The emergency clinician
can have a section 12 order issued which mandates that the town’s
emergency service bring this individual to an emergency room
to be evaluated. Discuss with the emergency service provider
the best way for you to manage the situation until the town’s
emergency service arrives.
Keep in Mind:
- It is not your responsibility to determine whether an individual
is at risk and what to do, but only to let someone with knowledge
and training know the specifics about your concerns.
- The thinking of an individual who is at risk of suicide is
often significantly distorted and irrational given the profound
nature of his distress. Consequently he may not be making good,
safe judgments about his wellbeing.
