10 Questions and Answers to Help Prevent Suicide

Suicide is tremendously hard to talk about. It can be especially overwhelming for people without mental health training. Yet friends and family are often the first to learn that a loved one is having suicidal thoughts. As therapists, we can do more to help someone in crisis. Underestimating this need is a terrible mistake. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10 to 34-year-olds, says the National Institute of Mental Health.   We can help people learn safe, helpful ways to respond to those whose suffering is so great, they see no other way out. Here are 10 questions and answers about talking with someone who you are worried may be suicidal. 1) How do you know someone might be suicidal? You may hear them say statements like: “I wish I was never born.” “Your life would be so much better without me.” “I feel like I’m just taking up space.” If hearing such statements worries you, it should. These sentiments are warning signs that a person is thinking about suicide, also called suicidal ideation. Though these are passive suicidal statements, they should be taken very seriously. They may mean a person is thinking about ending his or her life. This person is struggling with a mental health crisis and we need to attend to this. Even passive thoughts of suicide deserve prompt attention. Respond immediately. To know better what to make of the statements you just heard, ask more questions. 2) What behaviors are warning signs for suicide? Some people may keep...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Depression Suicide Suicide Prevention Source Type: news