Suicide Prevention
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HELPING YOURSELF If you are having problems and thinking of hurting or killing yourself, TELL SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP. If you cannot talk to your parents, find someone else: a relative, guidance counselor, teacher, or a friend’s parents or other trusted adult. Or, CALL THE IDAHO SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE AT 988. DON’T BE ASHAMED OR EMBARRASSED. A lot of teens and adults have problems that they cannot solve on their own. Finding the courage to get help is often the first step toward solving your problems and becoming a happier person. HELPING FRIENDS & PEERS If you think that any of your friends or classmates may be thinking of killing themselves, or have serious problems that they have not told anyone about – TELL A RESPONSIBLE ADULT; someone who is concerned with and understands young people and can help. This may be a teacher, guidance counselor, other school staff, your parents, the parents of a friend, a member of clergy or someone who works at a local youth center. DON’T BE AFRAID OF BEING WRONG. It can often be hard to tell if someone is really thinking about killing or hurting themselves. Some of the suicide warning signs may also be signs of drug use, serious family problems or depression. People with these problems still need help – and YOU CAN HELP. EVEN TALKING TO THEM CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. Teens will often share secrets and feelings with other teens that they will not share with adults. However, you may need to be persistent before they are willing to talk. Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. Talking about suicide or suicidal thoughts will not push someone to kill him- or herself. It is also not true that people who talk about killing themselves will not actually try it. IF A FRIEND SAYS THAT HE OR SHE IS THINKING ABOUT KILLING HIM- OR HERSELF, TAKE YOUR FRIEND SERIOUSLY. You should be especially concerned if people tell you that they have made a detailed suicide plan or obtained a means of hurting themselves. If they announce that they are thinking of taking an overdose of prescription medication or jumping from a particular bridge, stay with them until they are willing to go with you and talk to a responsible adult, or until a responsible adult can be found who will come to you. Don’t pretend you have all the answers. Be honest. The most important thing you can do may be to help them find help. NEVER PROMISE TO KEEP SOMEONE’S INTENTION TO KILL OR HURT HIM- OR HERSELF A SECRET. Let the person know that you would never tell this secret to just anyone, but you will tell a responsible adult if you think the person needs help. WARNING SIGNS Most suicidal people give some of the clues and warning signs listed here. By learning the warning signs, paying attention and trusting your own judgment, you can make the difference between life and death. Talking about, making a plan or threatening to complete suicide Previous suicide attempts Withdrawal or isolation from friends, family or school activities Changed eating habits or sleeping patterns Agitation, especially when combined with sleeplessness Giving away prized possessions, making final arrangements, putting affairs in order Themes of death or depression in conversation, writing, reading or art Recent loss of a friend or family member through death, suicide or divorce Sudden, dramatic decline or improvement in schoolwork Major mood swings or abrupt personality changes Feeling hopeless or trapped Use or increased use of drugs and/or alcohol Neglect of personal appearance Taking unnecessary risks or acting reckless No longer interested in favorite activities or hobbies REMEMBER Any one of these signs alone doesn’t necessarily indicate a person is suicidal. However, all signs are reason for concern, several signals may be cause for concern of suicide and the top-listed warning sign requires immediate action. Warning signs are especially important if the person has attempted suicide in the past. Ask. Listen. Be a Friend. Get help from an adult. Your actions may save a life! FOR PARENTS Suicide is preventable and parents and caregivers make a difference. Parents are often not in a good position to see the warning signs for suicide in their own children. Initially, youth are far more likely to disclose their intent to harm or kill themselves to their friends. However, they then naturally look to adults for help. LEARN THE WARNING SIGNS. Simply knowing the warning signals for suicide can save a life. Be aware of the risk factors for youth suicide as well. (Below) TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN. As parents, this is the most important thing we can do. Be persistent if necessary. Be willing to talk about suicide. Talking about suicide or suicidal thoughts will not push someone to kill him- or herself. Let them know that suicide is not the answer to whatever they are going through. Get professional help if needed or call the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). RISK FACTORS Pressures such as unrealistic academic, social or family expectations can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. Teens and young adults are especially prone to feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and rejection as a result of these pressures. Depression in young people is increasing at an alarming rate. Recent surveys indicate that as many as one in five teens suffers from clinical depression, and it can be difficult to detect in young people. But it is extremely important that depressed youth receive prompt, professional treatment. Keep in mind that depression in young men often appears as anger, rage, frustration and getting into fights. Abuse of Alcohol, Drugs or Sex is a way that some young people cope with feelings of depression or loneliness. However, such behaviors only lead to new problems and a deeper level of depression. Isolation or Withdrawal can also be a coping strategy for the suicidal youth making them even more susceptible to loneliness, depression and substance abuse. OTHER GENERAL RISK FACTORS
• Remove all firearms from homes with children and others judged by a physician to be at risk for a suicide attempt. Preventing suicide by use off medications or household toxins
Parents should communicate with physicians so that medications prescribed to youth are effective but not deadly when treating patients who are potentially suicidal. MOST IMPORTANTLY, LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS. WARNING SIGNS Most suicidal people give some of the clues and warning signs listed here. By learning the warning signs, paying attention and trusting your own judgment, you can make the difference between life and death. • Previous suicide attempts • Talking about, making a plan or threatening to complete suicide • Withdrawal or isolation from friends, family or school activities • Changed eating habits or sleeping patterns • Agitation, especially when combined with sleeplessness • Giving away prized possessions, making final arrangements, putting affairs in order • Themes of death or depression in conversation, writing, reading or art • Recent loss of a friend or family member through death, suicide or divorce • Sudden dramatic decline or improvement in schoolwork • Major mood swings or abrupt personality changes • Feeling hopeless or trapped • Use or increased use of drugs and/or alcohol • Chronic headaches and stomach aches, fatigue • Neglect of personal appearance • Taking unnecessary risks or acting reckless • No longer interested in favorite activities or hobbies REMEMBER Any one of these signs alone doesn’t necessarily indicate a person is suicidal. However, all signs are reason for concern and several signals may be cause for concern of suicide. Warning signs are especially important if the person has attempted suicide in the past. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS, TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION Call the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 Ask. Listen. Get professional help. Your actions may save a life! IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS, TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 |
