If you are in a crisis and need help right away:Call this toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, every day: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a service available to anyone. You may call for yourself or for someone you care about. All calls are confidential. |
For other resources related to Suicide Prevention, click here Background: As David began to teach classes on the 18 Principals, he found that every school visited had experienced a recent suicide. He also noticed that in every class there were kids in deep pain. As a result, David integrated suicide prevention into the program and it is now a part of the 18 Principles talks . Results: On a positive note two kids approached David one week after the first class incorporating suicide and told me of their concern about a friend in their class. We had a successful intervention with the individual getting the help and support needed, and as a result the school established a protocol to handle future situations.
The following was developed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and is a good guide to identify the warning signs, risk factors, and dos/don’ts of suicide Warning Signs: | | - Signs of depression
- Sadness
- Loss of sleep or excessive sleep
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Sense of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Noticeable change in behavior
- Alcohol or drug use
- Decline in performance of work, school or other activities
| - Reckless behavior
- Giving away favorite possessions
- Purchase of gun or pills
- Sudden happiness after prolonged depression
- Preoccupation with death and dying
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Statements like “you won’t have to worry about me anymore,” “I want to go to sleep and never wake up”
- Threats of suicide
| | | - Previous suicide attempt
- Loss of health (real or imagined)
- Divorce, separation, or broken relationship
- Death or terminal illness of a loved one
| - Loss of job, home, money
- Family history of suicide
- Depression
- Someone close to individual has completed suicide
| DO | DON'T | - Take suicide threats seriously
- Ask questions
- Listen in a non-judgmental way - "I'm here for you", "let's talk"
- Take action - get individual connected with professional help
| - Do not keep suicide threats a secret
- Do not act shocked or condemn
- Do not point out how much better off they are than others
- Do not interject your own problems and feelings
- Do not suggest drugs and alcohol as a solution
- Do not minimize the person’s feeling and do not offer simple solutions
- Do not leave the person alone
- Do not try to be a therapist – get professional help
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Suicide Prevention
