Compassion Saves Lives: Recognizing the Signs of Suicide
You do not have to be a therapist to be therapeutic; anyone can assist someone who is feeling suicidal and prevent suicide from occurring.
It is a misconception that only a trained mental health professional can prevent suicide. Providing compassionate care to someone who is feeling suicidal may save their life. Most people try to reach out to others to let them know how they are feeling before attempting suicide. Most people do not want to die — they simply want to relieve their symptoms.
People often give warning signs before attempting suicide. Learning these signs saves lives.
Signs a person might be preparing for a suicide attempt:
- Giving away prized belongings
- Creating or updating a will
- Resisting conversations about the future
- Stopping treatment for a behavioral health and/or physical health condition
- Desiring ownership of a firearm or making one easier to access
- Accumulating a large number of pills
- Isolating
- Having sincere conversations that are atypical for the person, such as thanking someone out of the blue for always being such a good friend
- Expressing that they are a burden to others
- Making comments about feeling suicidal or not wanting to be around any longer
What you can do to help
Since nearly all attempts to show you care will help someone who is struggling, don’t delay in offering nonjudgmental, compassionate concern.
- Try to open up a conversation by asking, “Are you feeling sad?” or “What’s been going on?” or “Can I help in some way?” You also could say, “You seem to be unhappy as of late.”
- Directly ask, “Are you thinking about suicide or harming yourself or someone else?”
- Look for physical signs that the person is not feeling well:
- Slumping or keeping their head down, as if they’re “carrying the weight of the world”
- Moving unusually slowly
- Crying uncontrollably at times
- Holding their head in their hands
- Avoiding eye contact
- Staring blankly into space or at an object or person
- Keeping eyes closed and refusing to open them
- Pacing or appearing very agitated
- Tell them you want them to live, offer hope and emphasize that help is available
- Do not leave them alone, if possible
- Contact the Firelands Hope Line at 1-567-867-HOPE (4673), which is available daily from 8 a.m. to midnight; call 988, which is available 24/7; or take them to the nearest emergency room
- Offer to make the call with the person or support them while they call
- Call local emergency services at 911 if the person leaves and you believe there is a risk of suicide
- Trust your gut. If someone says they are fine, but what you observe tells you otherwise, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
If a person admits to thinking about suicide or you think they might be at risk of self-harm:
Firelands offers inpatient psychiatric care and outpatient treatment services for mental health and drug/alcohol problems. In urgent situations, outpatient appointments are available within five working days or less. For additional information, call the Firelands Hope Line at 1-567-867-HOPE (4673) or go to firelands.com/findhope.
Services provided at Firelands Counseling & Recovery Services are funded in part by:
- Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Erie County;
- Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties; and
- The Huron County Board of Mental Health & Addiction Services
