How You Can Help Someone At Risk for Suicide by Lisa Firestone, Ph.D.
One of the scariest things you can experience is the fear that someone you know may be suicidal. When a friend, family member or associate shows some of the warning signs for suicide, it is essential to intervene and take action to get that person to the help they need. When someone is suicidal, they are in a disassociated state in which they are experiencing extreme self-hatred. How can you lift a person out of this state? Below you will find steps showing what you can do to help a person who is in the midst of a suicidal crisis and put them in touch with the help they need.
1. ENGAGE:
Engage the person at risk in a personal way; let the person know you are paying attention and make the person feel accepted. Maintain eye contact. Let your personal reactions show on your face. Sit forward, lean toward the person, and don’t get distracted. For example, convey empathy, try to see and feel things from the person’s perspective.
2. IDENTIFY:
Ask whether the person is thinking about suicide. Be direct but sensitive. It gives the person permission to talk about suicidal thoughts or plans.
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GET HELP:
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS OR IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE HELP, CALL 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
This is a free hotline available 24 hours a day to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Click here to locate a therapist in your area
For more Suicide Prevention Advice and Resources visit our Suicide Prevention Advice Page
Related Articles:
Coping Suggestions for the Suicidal Person
The Do’s and Don’ts of Suicide Prevention
Helper Tasks – How You Can Help Someone Who’s Suicidal
Suicide: The Warning Signs
Busting the Myths About Suicide
“Something to Lose”
Download the Brochure:
“Save a Life”
Helpful Websites:
www.suicidology.org
Lisa Firestone , PhD, is the Director of Research and Education for The Glendon Association. Since 1987, she has been involved in clinical training and applied research in suicide and violence. In collaboration with Dr. Robert Firestone, her studies resulted in the development of the Firestone Assessment of Self-Destructive Thoughts (FAST) and the Firestone Assessment of Violent Thoughts (FAVT). Dr. Firestone has published numerous professional articles, and most recently was the co-author of the books: Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships (APA Books, 2006), Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice(New Harbinger, 2002), and Creating a Life of Meaning and Compassion: The Wisdom of Psychotherapy (APA Books, 2003).
VIDEO: Watch Dr. Lisa Firestone discuss topics of self, intimacy and parenting at PsychAlive’s Video Center
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