Suicide Prevention

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7

Suicide PreventionTeens & SuicideSuicide Prevention for YOUResources

NOTE: We are not medical professionals, and this resource should not be considered a substitute for professional advice or treatment. It is meant to support the steps recommended by a qualified healthcare provider, not to replace or overshadow any necessary medical guidance.

5 Action Steps

Here are five preventative steps for you to help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors.

1. Ask: Inquire directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” This shows you’re open to discussing it in a caring, non-judgmental way.
2. Be Present: Whether it’s being physically there, chatting on the phone, or offering support in other ways, your presence matters. Listen actively to understand their thoughts and feelings.
3. Ensure Safety: Take steps to limit access to potentially lethal items or locations. While it can be challenging, asking about their plans and removing dangerous means can be crucial for their safety. Keep a line of sight – this is especially important for parents with teens/kids.
4. Facilitate Connections: Support them in accessing professional and community resources. Offer to help them reach out to trusted individuals like family members, friends, spiritual advisors, or mental health professionals.
5. Follow Up: After providing immediate support, check in on them later to see how they’re doing and offer continued support.

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Protective Factors

Protective factors can reduce the risk of suicide:

• Strong Coping and Problem-Solving Skills
• Meaningful Reasons for Living, such as relationships with family, friends, or pets
• A Robust Sense of Cultural Identity
• Support from Partner, Family, and Friends
• Connection with Others
• Involvement in School, Community, or Social Organizations
• Access to Reliable and High-Quality Physical and Mental Health Care
• Safe Storage Practices for Firearms and Medications

Suicide Prevention Help for YOU

• Seek Therapy or Support Groups: Talking to a professional can enhance your well-being. Call 211 or visit their website to explore local therapy and support group options.
• Create a Support Network: Connect with others to reduce feelings of isolation and recognize your importance within a larger community.
• Engage in Activities: Join an interest group, volunteer, take a class, or pick up a new hobby to enrich your life.
• Use Social Media: Share your feelings and connect with others who have experienced similar challenges.
• Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with encouraging individuals, including family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and spiritual advisors.
• Utilize Your Support Network: Lean on your network during tough times for encouragement and assistance.
• Express Your Emotions: Don’t hesitate to share how you’re feeling with trusted individuals.
• Stay Open-Minded: Be receptive to different perspectives and opinions from others.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Take time for activities that promote your physical and mental well-being.
• Develop a Safety Plan: Create a plan to help navigate challenging moments.
• Identify Personal Warning Signs: Note the thoughts, feelings, or situations that signal a difficult time may be approaching.
• Use Coping Strategies: List activities you can engage in to help manage urges to harm yourself.
• Socialize: Identify people and social settings that can provide distraction from stressful thoughts.
• Connect with Supportive Individuals: Make a list of family members or friends you can talk to when feeling stressed.
• Reach Out to Professionals: Compile a list of mental health professionals, agencies, and hotlines, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Limit Access to Lethal Means: Make your environment safer to reduce the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts.

Resources

Christian Family Solutions