Column: Take action for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/14/2018 - 5:50pm
Suicide Prevention Network and Barton Health

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and a good time to familiarize yourself with the tools, resources and steps you can take in addressing suicide.

Suicide can be prevented if the signs are detected and the right actions are taken. Healthy coping skills are critical for dealing with incidents of trauma throughout life. Unfortunately, some people find that life stressors are too difficult and some choose negative ways to cope.

The most critical warning signs of suicide are:

- Talking about wanting to die or about suicide
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Looking for ways to kill oneself

If someone you know is displaying these signs, take action and follow these steps:

Step one: Ask. Ask the person directly if he or she is thinking about suicide. “I’ve noticed you’ve been acting different and I’m really concerned. Are you thinking about suicide?”

Step two: Listen. Hear the person’s story. Listen and offer support without judgment. “It sounds like you are going through a lot. I’m so sorry. How can I support you?”

Step three: Connect. Connect the person to resources. “I want to make sure you stay safe. Can we call someone so that we can keep you safe?”

Certain protective factors can help reduce the risk of suicide, including:
- Effective behavioral health care
- Connectedness to individuals, family, community, and social institutions
- Life skills, such as problem solving and coping
- Self-esteem and a sense of purpose or meaning in life
- Cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that discourage suicide

Thank you to all the community members who joined the local movement in raising awareness of suicide prevention at Emily’s Walk for Hope on Saturday, September 8 in South Lake Tahoe at Lakeview Commons. Learn more about this annual event and local resources at spnawareness.org.

The Suicide Prevention Network is a non-profit offering education, awareness, and supportive services to members of Douglas County, Nevada and El Dorado County, California. California and Nevada residents can call 775.783.1510 or visit spnawareness.org for more information.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Barton Health has partnered with local behavioral health providers and experts to share research and insight on suicide, a topic that can be hard to discuss.