Did you know, that September is National Suicide Prevention Month? Why is that important? With 9.3 million people experiencing thoughts of suicide each year, the odds are high that you personally know someone that is struggling.   

Let’s make sure we all know the warning signs and how to help someone who is suicidal.  

• Increased alcohol and drug use 

• Aggressive behavior 

• Withdrawal from friends, family, and/or community 

• Dramatic mood swings 

• Impulsive or reckless behavior 

• Collecting and saving pills or buying a weapon 

• Giving away possessions 

• Tying up loose ends, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts 

• Saying goodbye to friends and family 

Now that we know what to look for, let’s look at what we should do when we spot these signs in a loved one. 

• Talk openly and honestly. Ask direct questions: “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?” Make sure not to phrase these questions in a way that makes it seem that you are looking for “no” as the answer such as “You’re not thinking about doing something stupid, are you?” 
   

• Express Concern: Let the person know that you are here to support them and help them through this tough time. Listen closely and don’t argue or raise your voice. You should not debate whether suicide is right or wrong. Just give the person an open and safe space to express how they are feeling and the help they need.  Offer direct assistance by calmly asking simple and direct questions such as “Can I help you call your psychiatrist?” 
   

• Create a Safety Plan: Not all suicidal thoughts are an emergency. If it is, seek assistance from a professional immediately. If not, determine your next steps for helping your loved one get the assistance they need.  In any case, you will want to remove any means such as guns, knives, or stockpiled pills from the home.  
   

• Get Help: You are not in this alone. Reach out to other trusted friends and family of the person in need of support.  

• Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 

• Know the Signs - an interactive tool to help recognize the signs and help for talking to someone about suicide. 

• My 3 - a downloadable App that creates a safety plan for those experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

• American Association of Suicidology – offers a support group finder for attempt survivors and loss survivors. 

Sources: 

1. https://988lifeline.org/.   

2. https://www.suicideispreventable.org/  

3. https://namica.org/what-you-can-do-to-prevent-suicide-warning-signs-risk-factors-support-in-a-crisis/#section-warning-signs  

4. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/04/20/707686101/how-to-help-someone-at-risk-of-suicide