Health & Fitness

Suicide First Aid: How to Approach The Topic of Suicide

Suicide First Aid: How to Approach The Topic of Suicide


DISCLAIMER: All content within this article is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of a health care professional.



Suicide can be a highly emotive and uncomfortable subject to discuss. It is still considered taboo in many cultures and there appears to be a fear among many that discussing it may encourage suicide attempts.


However, it is a myth that talking to someone who may be suicidal about their feeling will endanger their lives. In fact, it is quite the opposite; research indicates that talking openly about suicide lets a potentially suicidal person know they are not alone, and that that there are people who want to listen and help them. For someone who is suicidal, they are often relieved to finally be able to talk openly and honestly about their feelings. This, alone can reduce the risk of an attempt.



Another myth that still exists is that threats of suicide are a ploy for attention. Talk of or threats of suicide should be treated seriously at all times, as they are often a signal for help.



Research indicates that up to 80% of suicidal people signal their intentions to others, in the hope that the signal will be recognized as a cry for help.




Suicide First Aid: How to Approach The Topic of Suicide


So how exactly can you help someone you suspect may be suicidal? The following is an suicide first aid intervention model based on Applied Suicide Intervention Training Skills (ASIST):


1. Explore Invitations


As mentioned previously, up to 80% of suicidal people signal their intentions to others. These signals act as invitations to be able to inquire about possible suicide ideation. Signals or Invitations can be actions, thoughts, feelings, or physical, as well as stressful events with feelings of loss:



Actions:


- Giving away possessions


- Withdrawal from family, friends, school or work


- Loss of interest in hobbies


- Abuse of alcohol or drugs


- Reckless behavior


- Extreme behavior changes


- Impulsivity


- Self-mutilation



Thoughts:


- "I won't be needing these things anymore"


- "I can't do anything right"


- "I just can't keep my thoughts straight anymore"


- "I just can't take it anymore"


- "I wish I were dead"


- "Everyone will be better off without me"


- "All my problems will end soon"


- "No one can do anything for me now"



Feelings:


- Desperate


- Angry


- Guilty


- Worthless


- Lonely


- Sad


- Hopeless


- Helpless



Physical:


- Lack of interest in appearance


- Change/loss of interest in sex


- Disturbed sleep


- Changes/loss in appetite or weight


- Physical health complaints



Stressful Events:


- Death of a friend or family member


- Job or financial loss


- Divorce or breakup


Suicide First Aid: How to Approach The Topic of Suicide



2. Asking the tough question


So how exactly do you ask someone if they are suicidal or not? The answer is, there is no right or wrong way. Ask, "Are you having thoughts of suicide?" or "Have you thought about killing yourself?". Yes, it may be uncomfortable to ask, but remember, it is better to ask than not.


3. Review the Risk & Contract A Safety Plan


If the answer to the question "Are you having thoughts of suicide" is yes, then the next step is to contract a general safety plan (more on this later): When reviewing suicide risk, you also need to both current factors and background factors:



Current Factors (CPR):



(C) Current Suicide Plan: How do they plan to commit suicide? Do they have a specific plan in place? How prepared are they? Have they obtained the means by which they plan to kill themselves? (i.e. drugs, gun, knife, etc). How soon? Is their suicide plan imminent (i.e. today or tomorrow) or in the distant future?


pecific safety plan: Disable the suicide plan. This may mean confiscating drugs or weapons they intend on using. If this means calling 911, do so.



(P) Pain: Do they have pain (emotional or physical) that at times feels unbearable? Specific safety plan: Ease the pain. This may mean helping them seeking a medical doctor or therapist.



(R) Resources: Do they feel they have few, if any, resources? Do they feel alone? Specific safety plan: Link them to resources.



Background Factors:



Prior Suicidal Behavior? Have they attempted suicide before? Specific safety plan: Protect against the danger/support past survival skills



Mental Health: Are they receiving or have they received mental health care? Specific safety plan: Link to healthcare worker.


Suicide First Aid: How to Approach The Topic of Suicide


Contracting a Safety Plan


A safety plan is a contract between you and the suicidal person that they will keep safe. This may include (courtesy of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline):



1. Recognize warning signs: What sorts of thoughts, images, moods, situations, and behaviors indicate to them that a crisis may be developing? Have them list the kinds of situations, thoughts, feelings or other warning signs that may lead to them feeling suicidal.



2. Use coping strategies – What are some things that he/she do on your their to help them not act on thoughts/urges to harm themselves? A list of things that they can do that help them feel calm and comforted. Think of soothing, calming activities that they can employ when they are feeling suicidal.



3. Contact family members or friends who may help to resolve a crisis: Make a list of family members (with phone numbers) who are supportive and they feel they can talk to when under stress.



4. Contact mental health professionals or agencies: List names, numbers and/or locations of clinicians, local emergency rooms, crisis hotlines.



5. Ensure their environment is safe: Work together to develop a plan to limit access to means by which they may attempt suicide. Think about items they might be likely to use to hurt themselves, and detail how they can remove or secure them. The plan may also include avoiding things they know make them feel worse.



Make a commitment to the safety plan. This means promising themselves that they will implement the plan if they need to. The commitment could also involve promising (out loud) to a family member, friend or professional that they will follow the plan.



If you or someone you know is suicidal or in crisis, please contact a crisis hotline in your area.


Suicide First Aid: How to Approach The Topic of Suicide

Suicide First Aid: How to Approach The Topic of Suicide
Post Opinion