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kay_mulanSUICIDE PREVENTION
Suicide is a major public health issue in the United States. Historically, active service members had lower rates of suicide than the general population. However, since 2005 the rates of military and Veteran suicide have increased dramatically. From 2005 to 2014, more than 2,500 members of the Armed Forces completed suicide: an average of one suicide every 36 hours. Although as many as 22 Veterans per day die by suicide, it is important to recognize that suicide is a preventable tragedy. With help comes hope.
When to Seek Help for Yourself or Another Person
Learn the signs of suicide risk, and seek help immediately if you notice any of the following warning signs:
> Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
> Looking for ways to kill oneself
> Trying to get pills, guns, or other means to harm oneself
> Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
> Feeling hopeless
> Experiencing rage, uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
> Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
> Feeling trapped, like there is no way out
> Abusing drugs or alcohol
> Withdrawing from friends or family
> Having dramatic changes in mood
> Feeling like there is no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life
> Sleeping too much or too little
> Giving away possessions
How To Talk with Someone About Suicide
> Ask Directly- Are you considering suicide/having thoughts of killing yourself?
> DO- ask the question if you've identified warning signs or symptoms
> DO- ask the question in such a way that is natural and flows with the conversation
> DON'T- ask the question as if you're looking for a "no" answer; "You aren't thinking of killing yourself are you?"
> DON'T- wait to ask the question when he/she is halfway out the door
What Should You Do If You Think Someone is Suicidal?
> Don't keep the suicidal behavior a secret. < Talk with the person about it first, and, if you can, get help from a family member, close friend, or even employer of the person and work together to address it.
> Don't leave him or her alone if you are concerned. < Try to get the person to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call the > Veterans Crisis Line at 1 800 273 8255, Press 1.
> Never negotiate with someone who has a gun. < Get to safety and call 911.
> If the Veteran has taken pills, cut himself or herself or done harm to himself or herself in some way > call 911 immediately.
What Factors Help Protect People from Suicide?
> Family, friends, social support, close relationships, battle buddy
> Coping/problem solving skills
> Ongoing health and mental health care relationships
> Reasons for living - goals and activities/involvement
> Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide
Myths and Realities about Suicide
> Myth: Asking about suicide will plant the idea in a person's head.
>> Reality: Asking about suicide does not create suicidal thoughts any more than asking about chest pain causes a heart attack. The act of asking the question simply gives the Veteran permission to talk about his or her thoughts and feelings.
> Myth: There are talkers and there are doers.
>> Reality: Most people who die by suicide have communicated some intent, wish, or desire to kill themselves. Willingness to talk about suicide offers an opportunity to intervene before suicidal behaviors occur.
> Myth: If somebody really dies by suicide, there is nothing that can be done about it.
>> Reality: Most suicidal ideas are associated with underlying conditions that are highly treatable, such as depression, anxiety, or health problems. Providing treatment for these underlying conditions can save a life.
The acute risk for suicide is often time-limited. It is vital to help someone find a safe environment to survive the immediate crisis.
> Myth: He/she really wouldn't commit suicide because...
~just made plans for a vacation
~has young children at home
~made a verbal or written promise
~knows how dearly their family loves them
>> Reality: Suicidal thinking can overwhelm even the most rational person. Anyone experiencing significant suicidal thoughts must be taken seriously and referred to a health care provider who can evaluate their condition and provide treatment as appropriate.
WHERE TO GET HELP
Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline:
800 273 TALK
800 273 8255,
and press "1"
http://www.veteranscrisisline.net
or send a text to 838255
Veterans Chat:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
USDVA Suicide Prevention Coordinators:
http://www.veteranscrisisline.net
It is important to recognize that suicide is a preventable tragedy. With help comes hope.
Suicide is a major public health issue in the United States. Historically, active service members had lower rates of suicide than the general population. However, since 2005 the rates of military and Veteran suicide have increased dramatically. From 2005 to 2014, more than 2,500 members of the Armed Forces completed suicide: an average of one suicide every 36 hours. Although as many as 22 Veterans per day die by suicide, it is important to recognize that suicide is a preventable tragedy. With help comes hope.
When to Seek Help for Yourself or Another Person
Learn the signs of suicide risk, and seek help immediately if you notice any of the following warning signs:
> Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
> Looking for ways to kill oneself
> Trying to get pills, guns, or other means to harm oneself
> Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
> Feeling hopeless
> Experiencing rage, uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
> Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
> Feeling trapped, like there is no way out
> Abusing drugs or alcohol
> Withdrawing from friends or family
> Having dramatic changes in mood
> Feeling like there is no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life
> Sleeping too much or too little
> Giving away possessions
How To Talk with Someone About Suicide
> Ask Directly- Are you considering suicide/having thoughts of killing yourself?
> DO- ask the question if you've identified warning signs or symptoms
> DO- ask the question in such a way that is natural and flows with the conversation
> DON'T- ask the question as if you're looking for a "no" answer; "You aren't thinking of killing yourself are you?"
> DON'T- wait to ask the question when he/she is halfway out the door
What Should You Do If You Think Someone is Suicidal?
> Don't keep the suicidal behavior a secret. < Talk with the person about it first, and, if you can, get help from a family member, close friend, or even employer of the person and work together to address it.
> Don't leave him or her alone if you are concerned. < Try to get the person to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call the > Veterans Crisis Line at 1 800 273 8255, Press 1.
> Never negotiate with someone who has a gun. < Get to safety and call 911.
> If the Veteran has taken pills, cut himself or herself or done harm to himself or herself in some way > call 911 immediately.
What Factors Help Protect People from Suicide?
> Family, friends, social support, close relationships, battle buddy
> Coping/problem solving skills
> Ongoing health and mental health care relationships
> Reasons for living - goals and activities/involvement
> Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide
Myths and Realities about Suicide
> Myth: Asking about suicide will plant the idea in a person's head.
>> Reality: Asking about suicide does not create suicidal thoughts any more than asking about chest pain causes a heart attack. The act of asking the question simply gives the Veteran permission to talk about his or her thoughts and feelings.
> Myth: There are talkers and there are doers.
>> Reality: Most people who die by suicide have communicated some intent, wish, or desire to kill themselves. Willingness to talk about suicide offers an opportunity to intervene before suicidal behaviors occur.
> Myth: If somebody really dies by suicide, there is nothing that can be done about it.
>> Reality: Most suicidal ideas are associated with underlying conditions that are highly treatable, such as depression, anxiety, or health problems. Providing treatment for these underlying conditions can save a life.
The acute risk for suicide is often time-limited. It is vital to help someone find a safe environment to survive the immediate crisis.
> Myth: He/she really wouldn't commit suicide because...
~just made plans for a vacation
~has young children at home
~made a verbal or written promise
~knows how dearly their family loves them
>> Reality: Suicidal thinking can overwhelm even the most rational person. Anyone experiencing significant suicidal thoughts must be taken seriously and referred to a health care provider who can evaluate their condition and provide treatment as appropriate.
WHERE TO GET HELP
Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline:
800 273 TALK
800 273 8255,
and press "1"
http://www.veteranscrisisline.net
or send a text to 838255
Veterans Chat:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
USDVA Suicide Prevention Coordinators:
http://www.veteranscrisisline.net
It is important to recognize that suicide is a preventable tragedy. With help comes hope.
