World Suicide Prevention Day

Warning Signs
Mood
If a person talks about:

• Killing themselves
• Feeling hopeless
• Having no reason to live
• Being a burden to others
• Feeling trapped
• Unbearable pain

Behavior
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
• Withdrawing from activities
• Isolating from family and friends
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
• Giving away prized possessions
• Aggression
• Fatigue

Mood
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Loss of interest
• Irritability
• Humiliation/Shame
• Agitation/Anger
• Relief/Sudden Improvement

CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING: This post deals with suicide.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. We can all do our part to prevent suicide in our communities. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives.

What to do if you suspect someone is considering suicide

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the Canada Suicide Prevention Service 24 Hour Crisis Line number (1-833-456-4566) or the NS Mental Health & Addictions 24 hour Crisis Line (1-888-429-8167) in your phone so they’re there if you need them. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

Want to learn more?

ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
By the end of this month, Second Story staff will all have undergone ASIST training. It is available to anyone to take. This training is regularly offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association of NS and others (click here to find a session happening near you).

Mental Health First Aid is also a great program that covers suicide intervention, as well as how to respond and assist someone experiencing a range of mental health emergencies.