From the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Most suicidal people give some warning of their intentions. The most effective way to prevent a friend or loved one from taking their life is to recognize when someone is at risk, take the warning signs seriously and know how to respond. The depression and emotional crises that so often precede suicides are -- in most cases -- both recognizable and treatable.

Take It Seriously

• Seventy-five percent of suicidal people give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.

• All suicide threats and attempts must be taken seriously.

Be Willing to Listen

• Take the initiative to ask what is troubling them and persist to overcome any reluctance to talk about it.

• If professional help is required, the person you care about is more apt to follow such a recommendation if you have listened to him or her.

• If your friend or loved one is depressed, don't be afraid to ask whether he or she is considering suicide, or even if they have a particular plan or method in mind.

• Do not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Rather, let the person know you care and understand, that he or she is not alone, that suicidal feelings are temporary, that depression can be treated and that problems can be solved. Avoid the temptation to say, "You have so much to live for," or "Your suicide will hurt your family."

Seek Professional Help

• Be actively involved in encouraging the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. Individuals contemplating suicide often don't believe they can be helped, so you may have to do more. For example, a suicidal college student resisted seeing a psychiatrist until his roommate offered to accompany him on the visit. A 17-year-old accompanied her younger sister to a psychiatrist because her parents refused to become involved.

• You can make a difference by helping the person in need of help find a knowledgeable mental health professional or reputable treatment facility.

In an Acute Crisis

• In an acute crisis, take your friend or loved one to an emergency room or walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital.

• Do not leave them alone until help is available.

• Remove from the vicinity any firearms, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

• Hospitalization may be required and may be necessary at least until the crisis abates.

• If a psychiatric facility is unavailable, go to your nearest hospital or clinic.

• If the above options are unavailable, call your local emergency number or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Follow-up on Treatment

• Suicidal patients are often hesitant to seek help and may run away or avoid it after an initial contact unless there is support for their continuing.

• If medication is prescribed, take an active role to make sure they are taking the medication and be sure to notify the physician about any unexpected side effects. Often, alternative medications can be prescribed.

Related articles:
• The Grief of Sibling Survivors
• Running Through the Pain
• Youth Suicide: What You Can Say and Do to Help the Survivors
• Helping Your Bereaved Friend

Also from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
• Why Did This Happen?
• What Do I Do Now?

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those impacted by suicide.

International Survivors of Suicide Day

Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011

Every year on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving, the AFSP sponsors International Survivors of Suicide Day, reaching out to thousands of people who have lost a loved one to suicide. The day of conferences connects survivors of suicide loss through a 90-minute broadcast, allowing them to share their experiences of loss. The broadcast features a panel of experienced survivors and mental health professionals and offers emotional support and information about resources for healing after the loss of a loved one to suicide.

All conference sites in the U.S. will join in the broadcast from 1-2:30 p.m. EST. International sites will view the broadcast 1-2:30 p.m. local time. Many of the local conference sites plan their own programs around the broadcast, including panels and breakout groups, all aimed at helping survivors heal. To find a conference site near you or to sign up to watch from your home computer, please visit http://www.afsp.org/survivorday.

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