Suicide Prevention 39 I’M CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE cont’d For the helper: • Are you noticing or have you noticed any dramatic mood changes? • Changes in work behavior or school attendance/marks dropping? • Does the person seem to be out of touch with reality? What areWarning Signs? Suicide prevention depends heavily on our ability to recognize people who are in distress and may be at risk. The American Association of Suicidology developed a simple tool that we can all use to remember the warning signs of suicide. This tool is called “IS PATHWARM” and outlines the key points to remember. How to be Helpful When Someone is Having SuicideRelatedThoughts • Take all threats or attempts seriously. • Be aware and learn warning signs of suicide. • Be direct and ask if the person is thinking of suicide. If the answer is yes, ask if the person has a plan and what the time line is. • Be non-judgmental and empathic. • Do not minimize the feelings expressed by the person. • Do not be sworn to secrecy… seek out the support of appropriate professionals. • Ask if there is anything you can do. • Draw on resources in the person’s network. • Do not use clichés or try to debate with the person. • In an acute crisis take the person to an emergency room or walk in clinic or call a mobile crisis service if one is available. • Do not leave them alone until help is provided. • Remove any obvious means (e.g. firearms, drugs or sharp objects) from the immediate vicinity.
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