Throughout the year and in certain months, our focus is on mental health and well-being. It is in the month of September that our focus is on Suicide and Suicide Prevention. Now it may not be that obvious, but talking to a loved one about suicide may be the first step in preventing suicide. If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, talking with them can be the difference in getting them the help they need. Talking to a loved one about mental health and suicide need not be an uncomfortable topic if one has guidance in doing so. That guidance is available through the website: www.bethe1to.com (be the one to), which provides 5 action steps to guide one in having a conversation with someone who may be suicidal.
1: ASK. Asking openly and directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” shows that you are willing to discuss suicide in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner. Findings suggest that acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal ideation. The other important part of this step is to listen to their reasons for their emotional pain as well as reasons that they want to continue to live. Help them focus on their reasons for living, not on the reasons that you think that they should stay alive.
2: BE THERE. Be physically present for someone, speak with them on the phone when you can, or show up in any other way that demonstrates support for the person at risk. If you are unwilling or unable to commit to being there, talk with them to develop ideas on who else might be able to help and how they might support. Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation has been shown to be a protective factor against suicide.
3: HELP KEEP THEM SAFE. After the “Ask” step, and you’ve determined suicide is indeed being talked about, it is important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety. The first question will be to ensure that they have not done something already to hurt themselves. Secondly, you will want to ask them if they have a plan and a way to die by suicide. Knowing the answers to each of these questions can tell us about the imminence and severity of danger the person is in.
4: HELP THEM CONNECT. One way to start helping them find ways to connect is to work with them to develop a Safety Plan. A safety plan is designed to guide people through a crisis, with a goal to keep them safe and get them help. Connected people are significantly less likely to feel depressed, suicidal, and overwhelmed, while also feeling more hopeful.
5. FOLLOW UP. Make sure to follow up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call. This is a great time to see if there is anything else that you can do to support them. This type of contact can continue to increase their feelings of connectedness and share your ongoing support. Just sending a caring card can potentially reduce their risk of suicide.
You should know that resources are available to help you guide your way to help an individual in need & prevent them from doing themselves harm. Visiting www.co.lake.mn.us will provide you with a support guide for mental health resources. Locally, there are 24-hour mental health and crisis resources available to you; with one call, you can connect with care providers that are right for you and/or someone close to you. They include: www.samhsa.gov/resource/988/safety-plan; Nami HelpLine: 800.950.6264; & LetsTalkMN.com. If your need is urgent call 844.772.4724 or text 988. You may also text: “MN” to 741741.
