Top Ten Things to Do if a Loved One is Considering Suicide

1. Memorize the National Suicide Prevention Number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

2. Talk about it.

Talking about suicide does not cause suicide. Instead it can allow your loved one to vent feelings of anger, loneliness, and despair that, if turned inward, can lead to suicide. Be supportive. Listen non-judgmentally, with compassion, concern, and love. After talking, help your loved one seek treatment, as appropriate.

3. Learn tools to help your loved one survive.

Two books provide excellent survival tools: How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me by Susan Rose Blauner. (http://www.howistayedalive.com/) and Night Falls Fast by Kay Redfield Jamison. (http://www.randomhouse.com/vintage/read/nightfallsfast).

4. Help your loved one make a plan for life. (http://www.dbsalliance.org/info/suicide.html)

Work with your loved one, when they are feeling well, to create a list of things to do if suicidal impulses strike again. Include who to call and who not to call. Ask them to add things to say or not to say. (This is also known as an advance directive.)

5. Ask your loved one to recruit a "survival team."

Ask your loved one to invite trusted family, friends, doctors, therapists, clergy, co-workers, or others they respect to become members of their survival team. If appropriate, ask the team to pray. Even if your loved one doesn't believe in God, someone might want to pray on their behalf.

6. Encourage your loved one to exercise regularly.

Exercise is a proven antidepressant. Find a way to get your loved one moving and get endorphins flowing.

7. Encourage your loved one to join (or start) a local support group. (http://www.dbsalliance.org/info/findsupport.html) (http://www.healthcyclopedia.com/mental-health/disorders/suicide/support-groups.html)

Several organizations offer support groups throughout the U.S. and Canada: AAS, AFSP, CESP, DBSA, NAMI, NMHA, Recovery Inc., SAVE, SPAN. Find a local support group and try it out.

8. Join a local support group yourself or contact people in the group.

Many of the same organizations for those who are considering suicide also offer help to friends and family. Check AAS, AFSP, CESP, DBSA, NAMI, NMHA, SAVE, SPAN. Contact local members and ask for help.

9. Ask your loved one to make a promise.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation. Impulses will pass. Ask your loved one to promise not to hurt himself or herself at least until they are well rested and have talked to you (or another member of their survival team). This website may help: http://www.metanoia.org/suicide.

10. Remember the National Suicide Prevention Number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Whenever you suspect that your loved one might attempt suicide, call for help on their behalf. Better to call a "false alarm" than to forever regret having not called.

To recommend links to add to this site, contact Rita at dbsacanandaigua@aol.com.
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Enriching lives through education, empowerment, advocacy, and support.

DBSA Rochester is a group of local, volunteers who come together on a regular basis to offer each other encouragement and support in living with mood disorders.

If you need immediate help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis.

For more information visit: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

For more information about DBSA Rochester, contact DBSA Rochester Director, Rich Griswold at neuropsych1@gmail.com or 585-571-4238 or call the volunteer-run chapter central phone at 585-234-8432.

For information about DBSA International headquarters visit www.dbsalliance.org or call 1-800-826-3632.

To give feedback on this web site, please write to Rita at dbsacanandaigua@aol.com.