helping those that are suicidal

Suicide in the Media

Recently, suicide has been in the spotlight as the focus of both a fictionalized mini-series about a high-school student and a non-fiction podcast about a middle-aged man from Alabama. Each of these very different, but deeply personalized, accounts of suicide touch on a more widespread tragedy. Suicide has just surpassed homicide as the second leading… Read more »

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After My Suicide Attempt, I Made This Plan to Stay Alive and Well

Trigger warning A single, circular, black and white-colored analog clock adorned the off-white wall. Groggy, my eyes strained then refocused. It was 4 a.m. I had been in limbo overnight waiting for an in-demand, overbooked, cheap wood-framed, rather uncomfortable single bed. It was an early, solemn San Francisco morning: May 1st, 2004. I was 23… Read more »

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I Want to Die

Each day thousands of people are tormented by the thought, I want to die. If you’ve been having thoughts like this, we want to let you know that you are not alone. Many of us have experienced suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. However, it is also important for you to know that… Read more »

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How You Can Help Prevent a Suicide

With better education and awareness about suicide prevention, lives can be saved. September’s National Suicide Prevention Month sheds light on a subject all too often avoided in our society. Suicide affects millions of people each year. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control…. Read more »

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Helper Tasks – How You Can Help Someone Who’s Suicidal

Here are some ways you can help a person at risk for suicide: Engage – Engage the person at risk in a personable way, use eye contact, give your full attention, don’t let yourself get distracted. Explore – Explore their situation from his or her point of view by encouraging the open expression of their… Read more »

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Suicide Prevention

When you are assisting someone who you feel may be suicidal, there are certain things you should do and certain things you should not. Here, briefly, are some of the DOs and  DONT’S of suicide prevention: DOs Be aware. Learn the warning signs Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support. Ask if she or… Read more »

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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,… Read more »

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