FH Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention is EVERYone’s business
About Suicide
- Most suicides are a reaction to intense feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and depression.
- When the feelings become too overwhelming the suicidal person decides to end the pain.
- It seems the only answer.
Warning Signs
Recognise that the warnings are a cry for help. LISTEN and pick up on subtle messages.
SOME of the WARNING SIGNS
- Suicide threats or repeated statements about one’s death.
- Previous suicide attempt(s).
- Sudden changes in behaviour (avoidance of friends, unusual aggression or moodiness).
- Depression (crying, sleep disburbances, self-dislike, loss of appetite, poor concentration, and a sense of hopelessness
- Final arrangements (such as giving away personal possessions, finalising legal matters
What can you do?
- BELIEVE your suspicions that the person may be suicidal
- COMMUNICATE concern for his/her well-being. Listen and show support. Do not be judgemental. Imagine how you would feel in the same place. LISTEN
What can I do?
- BE DIRECT Ask questions, talk openly and freely. Determine if the person has a plan for suicide (when, where, how etc.)
The more detailed the plan
The greater the risk
- SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP Get help from your doctor, minister, or Lifeline.
IF you keep this secret
YOU may lose someone you care about
PREVENTION
- IF possible, remove all lethal drugs, guns, alcohol, etc. out of reach.
What not to do...
- DO NOT leave the person alone, IF you believe the risk is imminent.
Many suicides take place in the home between 3:00pm and Midnight
- DO NOT assume someone isn’t the suicidal "type". ANYONE can feel that desperate.
- DO NOT act shocked at what he/she tells you
- DO NOT debate the morality of self-destruction. This may bring an even lesser sense of self-worth and more guilt.
Observe the following statements
They have 3 things in common
- "He isn’t the type to kill himself."
- "People say she attempted suicide, but she was just trying to get attention; if nobody makes a big fuss over it, she won’t do it again.
- "Calling attention to suicide just encourages people to do it. The best thing to do is not talk about it.
The 3 things in common
- They are heard very often
- The ideas they represent are widely believed
- They are wrong, Dangerously wrong.
REMEMBER
-
KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE
-
RECOGNISE THE DANGER
-
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION SO THAT A LIFE CAN BE SAVED.
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PLEASE TAKE TIME to consider the education section offered in this website where you can learn to pick up cognitive-behavioural skills in a very cost-effective way through clicking on the link "Learn HOW" in the products and services section of the Home Page.
