Knowledge Hub

People need help and understanding.

The more we know, the better we can help.

Understanding what others are going through isn’t always easy.

Knowing what to say, identifying behavioral changes early on, reporting an issue in time – these are just a few things that are sometimes hard to accomplish. And that’s why knowledge is important. So we can know that the help we offer is the help people need.

Suicide Prevention

HELPING A SUICIDAL PERSON

REPORTING ON SUICIDE

SUICIDE MYTHS & FACTS

SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS

YOUTH AND SENIOR SUICIDE

COVID-19 COPING TIPS

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS

PORTRAITS OF HOPE

If you or someone else is at imminent risk of a life-threatening situation, call 911. If you are in emotional distress, or if you have thoughts of suicide, call 988 or 800-273-8255 or text ‘hope’ to 20121.

Helping a suicidal person

If someone tells you that he or she is contemplating suicide or shows signs of suicidal behavior, it is helpful to talk about it directly. Your willingness to discuss this sensitive topic can show the other person that you care and want to listen.

Language is important.

Ask questions about how the person feels, like: ‘You seem down. Is there a reason?’

Ask questions about suicide itself, like: ‘Have you thought about how you might attempt suicide?’

Avoid offering advice that might increase feelings of guilt, such as ‘Think how much better off you are than most people’ or ‘You should appreciate how lucky you are.’

Instead, look for signs of hope that the other person might already have in his/her life.

The more specific the plan for attempting suicide, the higher the risk.

Determine whether the person has the means to carry out a plan, such as access to a gun or pills.

Always suggest that seeking help is a good idea.

Encourage the other person to call us here at the Crisis Center by dialing 988 or 800-273-8255. If the other person is unable to stay safe in the moment, then please make the call yourself to us here at 988 or 800-273-8255. Or if necessary, call 911. Ask us for guidance. We can coach you in supporting and assisting the other person.

How to report on suicide

It’s best to say that a person ‘died by suicide’ or that they ‘killed themselves.’

Reporting should be concise and factual.

Always use proper, respectful language when talking about a person who has attempted suicide or who has died by suicide.

The family members and friends of those who die by suicide struggle to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives after the suicide. Family and friends, themselves, can be at higher risk for thoughts of suicide after their loved one has died by suicide.

Suicide myths and facts

Myth

People attempt suicide because they want to die.

Fact

People attempt suicide not because they want to die but because they want their emotional or physical pain to end and believe that suicide is the only way out.

Myth

Once people decide to kill themselves, they can’t be stopped.

Fact

Most suicidal people have feelings of wanting to live and, at the same time, feelings of wanting to die.

Myth

Suicide happens without any warning signs.

Fact

8 out of 10 people who attempt suicide give warning signs prior to their attempt.

Myth

When a person is feeling better after a suicidal crisis, then the risk is over.

Fact

Most suicides occur within 3 months following the beginning of improved mood, when the individual has the energy to plan a suicide attempt.

Myth

Anyone who exhibits one or more risk factors is at high risk for suicide.

Fact

Many people might exhibit several possible risk factors for suicide but aren’t at high risk for making a suicide attempt. People can endure the stresses of life, maybe even having thoughts of suicide, without ever attempting suicide.

Suicide warning signs

Suicide affects all groups, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religious belief, sexual identity, socio-economic group. There is no profile of the person who will attempt suicide, but there are common warning signs, including the following:· Talking about suicide or making statements that reveal a desire to die.

Drastic changes in behavior (e.g. withdrawal, apathy, moodiness).
Losing interest in hobbies or in personal appearance.
Depression (e.g. crying, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, hopelessness)
Worsening academic or job performance and sudden failure to complete assignments.
Lack of interest in activities and surroundings (e.g. dropping out of sports and clubs).
Settling affairs (e.g. giving away prized possessions such as books or a pet).
Increased moodiness, irritability, or aggressiveness.
Remarks suggesting profound unhappiness, despair, or feelings of worthlessness.
Death and suicidal themes in written work. Self-destructive behavior (e.g., taking unnecessary risks or increased drug or alcohol use).

Youth and senior suicide

Youth Suicide

Nationwide, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 15-24 years, after accidents and just ahead of homicides. As reported by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), there is a range of 100-200 youth suicide attempts for every youth death by suicide.

Senior Suicide

Seniors have the second highest suicide rate of any age group—even higher than youths but lower than middle-aged adults. The AAS reports that for every 4 suicide attempts by seniors, 1 senior will die by suicide.

Info and Tips for Coping with COVID-19

Tips for Coping with COVID-19

To help with the stress, fear and anxiety that has overwhelmed many of us, we’ve created tip sheets for family discussion and parenting, as well as tips for colleagues and self care.

To help individuals reestablish a sense of normalcy, Psychology.org partnered with three mental health experts. These experts share five ways individuals and families can manage corona virus-related anxiety. From monitoring social media consumption to establishing a routine, we hope these tips can help as we get through this pandemic.

Dealing With Coronavirus Anxiety: Expert Tips to Help Ease Anxiety – Read the article here: https://www.psychology.org/resources/expert-tips-coronavirus-anxiety.

Please call or text us (Call 988 or text HOPE to 20121) if you or someone you love is struggling emotionally or needs to be connected to resources during this time.

KNOWLEDGE HUB