Suicide Prevention 19 How can I help somone who is at risk for suicide? ● Listen to them and take them seriously. Don’t judge or minimize their feelings. Remind them that their feelings are valid.Ask if they want to die or if they just want the pain/struggle to end. Be positive and hopeful and remember that suicide can be prevented. ● Ask them if they are having thoughts of suicide. Don’t be afraid that you will put the idea in their head. It may be a relief for them to talk about it. ● Ask if they have a plan. Depending on their answer you may want to limit their access to lethal means, such as medication, knives or firearms. ● Ask them to rate their suicidal feelings on a scale of one to 10. Regularly ask them to tell you where they are on the scale, so you can assess if things are getting worse. ● Let them know help is available and that the cause of their suicidal thoughts can be successfully treated. ● Encourage them to talk about how they are feeling. ● Encourage them to seek help from a doctor or mental health provider and offer to help with this if they would like. ● Keep the contact information of the nearest emergency department, crisis line and your health care providers close at hand; ● Make a safety plan with them.Who will they call if their feelings get stronger?Who can stay with them to keep them safe? Make a list of phone numbers of people and services they can call if they feel unsafe. Avoid leaving the person alone if they are in crisis. ● Seek support for yourself. It is important that you don’t carry this burden alone. Call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 811 or call your local mental health and addictions office to speak to a counselor. SUICIDE PREVENTION cont’d nl.bridgethegapp.ca
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