Strategies for Assisting an Individual Contemplating Suicide: Insights and Advice
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and 911 are essential resources for individuals facing emotional distress or life-threatening situations. The 988 Lifeline, available 24/7, offers a free, confidential support service for individuals in crisis, considering suicide or self-harm.
Identifying those at risk of suicide requires a thorough assessment. This includes direct inquiry about suicidal thoughts, intent, plans, means, and behaviours, as well as evaluation of psychiatric symptoms, recent suicidal behaviour, current stressors, protective factors, and family history of suicide or mental illness. Standardised tools such as the Columbia-Suicidal Severity Rating Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) item 9 can aid in identifying suicide risk.
Risk factors for suicide include hopelessness, impulsivity, and certain demographic and clinical conditions, while protective factors include religious beliefs and strong social support.
In times of crisis, it's crucial to respond promptly and appropriately. If the situation constitutes a physical health emergency or immediate danger, call 911. For mental health or emotional crises that are not life-threatening, connect the person to trained crisis counselors available 24/7 through resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call, text, or chat 988), which offers support, crisis intervention, and linkage to resources. Specialized options include pressing 0 for a crisis counselor, 1 for veterans, or 2 for Spanish-language support.
In the United States, other resources include the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line (1-855-274-7471) and text “TN” to 741741 for immediate counseling. Behavioural Health Crisis Lines (such as local or state lines like 1-888-302-0738) staffed by licensed clinicians and Peer Warmlines staffed by people in recovery offering non-clinical support to reduce stigma and encourage engagement in care are also available.
Support also involves monitoring safety, ensuring connections to ongoing mental health care, and reinforcing protective factors. Emergency responses emphasize ensuring the individual’s safety first and then providing or connecting them with appropriate mental health services and community supports.
It's important to note that someone with depression might show signs such as persistent low mood, lack of pleasure, and trouble sleeping. Talking about suicidal thoughts or feelings of emptiness or hopelessness can be a sign someone may be at risk of suicide. Preparing ways to kill oneself, such as purchasing a firearm or large doses of medications, can also be a sign. Giving away possessions and saying goodbye to loved ones are other warning signs.
Talking about death frequently can also be a sign, as can making other preparations for death, such as creating a will. Withdrawing from social events or interactions with family and friends can also indicate a need for support.
Suicide is a public health concern that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Each year, people die due to suicide, and it is one of the leading causes of death among young adults ages 15-29.
In an emergency, immediately contact emergency services or take someone to the nearest emergency room if they have attempted suicide or are at immediate risk of attempting suicide. Immediate help should be sought for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, as professional support may help someone manage their suicidal thoughts and address any underlying concerns.
When supporting someone with thoughts of suicide, it is recommended to ask directly, keep them safe, be there emotionally, help them connect with professional help, and stay connected. The National Institute of Mental Health is another resource for advice and support. The Crisis Text Line is another free and confidential support service available 24/7 by texting HOME to 741741.
The Veterans Crisis Line is another vital resource for veterans in crisis, available by calling 988 and then pressing 1.
In summary, identifying people at risk of suicide and providing support is critical and may help save lives. Support includes crisis intervention via emergency services or specialized helplines, ongoing care involving professional and peer resources aimed at safety and recovery, and a commitment to open dialogue and understanding.
- In addition to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, science can play a role in identifying suicide risk by using standardized tools like the Columbia-Suicidal Severity Rating Scale and the PHQ-9.
- Mental health and health-and-wellness are interconnected, as discussing suicidal thoughts often indicates a need for professional help and support, which can be accessed through resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and Veterans Crisis Line.
