Last month, we discussed the importance of being your own advocate and steps you can take to support yourself and your loved ones.
The month of September was National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If you are someone who struggles with thoughts of self-harm, remember that you are not alone, and help is always available. There is never any shame in asking for help.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (text and cellular)
Languages: English, Spanish
Hours: Available 24 hours
If you are a caretaker or friend of someone who struggles with suicidal ideation, there are some tools at your disposal to support your loved one further. Dr. John Draper, President of Research, Development and Government Solutions at Behavioral Health Link, is credited with developing the “Three C’s of Suicide Crisis Response”: Connection, collaboration, and choice.
Connection implies that the person in crisis is made to feel understood and not isolated. Being in community with your friends and loved ones is essential to identifying early signs of suicidal ideation. Mood changes, withdrawal from friends, or increased substance use are all potential signs. Even if everything is fine, checking in on a friend can’t hurt. If you are unsure, a licensed mental health professional can more accurately assess potential problems.
Collaboration involves working collaboratively with the individual to investigate and identify potential solutions.
Reduce access to lethal items or places. Asking someone if they have a plan and making lethal means less available will help them to develop a constructive plan forward.
Choice involves empowering the individual by involving them in the decision-making process for their care and recovery. Encourage positive decision-making. Allow them to choose recovery. You can also ask direct questions to provide them with further constructive options. “Can I help you call someone?” as an example.
Keep calm. Arguing or raising your voice may not be helpful. And above all: Be patient.
Being an active presence in your friend’s life can be a valuable support system for those in need. Being aware of changes in their lives and checking in on them regularly can sometimes be the first line of defense when dealing with a mental health crisis.
If you feel unable to handle a potential crisis on your own, remember that you are never alone. Below is the phone number to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline again, as well as a guide for navigating a mental health crisis developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Suicide is never the answer. Check in on your loved ones today.
Links:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (text and cellular)
Languages: English, Spanish
Hours: Available 24 hours
NAMI Navigating A Mental Health Crisis Guide: https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Publications-Reports/Guides/Navigating-a-Mental-Health-Crisis/
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