IN CRISIS?
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When to Seek Professional
Help Immediately Experiencing/observing these behaviors? If yes, immediately connect with professional help.
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How Do I Help Someone?
1. Look for Signs
They can be different for different people, so it's best to follow the LEARN steps when you see:
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2. Have the Conversation
EMPATHIZE and Listen:
ASK Directly About Suicide:
REDUCE the Dangers:
NEXT STEPS
- Just listen. Those who have struggled say this helped them the most.
- Offer compassion, not advice. Avoid judgment and accept their feelings.
- Validate their suffering, “I can see you’re in a lot of pain. Thank you for telling me.”
- Summarize what you heard: “So, you’re feeling...(alone, hopeless). This sounds overwhelming.”
ASK Directly About Suicide:
- Be direct, calm & courageous.
- Ask calmly, in a straightforward way: “Are you thinking about suicide?” or, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
- Another way to ask is: “Sometimes when people feel...(alone, hopeless), they are thinking about suicide. Are you thinking about that?" suicide?“
REDUCE the Dangers:
- If they say yes, ask “Do you have a plan?”
- if they have a plan, ask: "Do you have a way to carry out your plan?"
- Remove or lock up firearms and medications. In crisis, lock up belts, ropes, knives, chemicals.
- Report concerning social media posts.
- Remember: putting time and distance between someone thinking about suicide and the means they may use to end their life can help prevent suicide.
NEXT STEPS
- Together, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call, text or chat 988) or other resources.
- You can also call a faith leader, elder, friend, or family member.
- Stay with the person in crisis if it is safe for you to do so. If someone is in imminent danger, calling 911 may be necessary.
3. More About Reducing Danger & Lethal Means
What are Lethal Means?
Lethal means refers to anything someone might use to take their life, such as an intentional overdose of medication, a firearm, or another method of self-attack. By limiting access during a crisis, people experiencing suicidal thoughts are less likely to pass away.
Lethal means refers to anything someone might use to take their life, such as an intentional overdose of medication, a firearm, or another method of self-attack. By limiting access during a crisis, people experiencing suicidal thoughts are less likely to pass away.
Lock it up
"Many suicide attempts take place during a short-term crisis. Putting time and distance between lethal means and individuals who may be in crisis can prevent suicide and save lives."
- National Alliance for Suicide Prevention
"Many suicide attempts take place during a short-term crisis. Putting time and distance between lethal means and individuals who may be in crisis can prevent suicide and save lives."
- National Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Firearms
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Medication
Information from https://lcsuicideprevention.org/what-are-lethal-means/ |
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You can contact us for free gun and/or medication locks. Quantity is limited.
Thanks to Flathead Electric Cooperative's Roundup for Safety initiative for helping to sponsor this program. |
4. More About Getting Help
Immediate intervention is important if someone is in crisis. The following is a page of national and local resources. |
Having basic needs met is crucial for mental health as it provides a sense of security, stability, and dignity. When individuals have access to necessities such as food, shelter, and safety, they are better equipped to manage stress, maintain emotional well-being, and engage in fulfilling activities, ultimately fostering a positive mental state.
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Establishing connections can play a significant role in long-term prevention. Reaching out to someone, involving them in activities, or assisting them in finding a community can be immensely beneficial for individuals facing difficulties. Enhanced Evaluation and Actionable Knowledge project is part of an intra-agency agreement between CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
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Apps
NotOK App®
A free digital pre-crisis app to get you immediate support via text, phone call, or GPS location when you’re struggling to reach out. |
Calm Harm App
An award-winning app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Nihara Krause, in collaboration with young people, to help manage the urge to self-harm. |