“We all have times when life feels hard; when we’re frustrated and tired and just want to hide away. If that is you right now, don’t worry – every caterpillar has to rest to become a butterfly and you’ll soon find your wings again. In the meantime, let your Angels wrap you in theirs. You are so loved.” – Anna Taylor Are you thinking about suicide? Please don’t do it. We’re here to help. Do you know of someone who is thinking about it? Please provide your support. Regardless if it’s you or someone else – reach out, talk, and listen. You are loved and valued. 😊 Continue reading to find out about suicide prevention resources. Life has its rocky moments. Embrace them and act. Accept reality and strive to get to a better place. Suicide is preventable. Remember, there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. What are the warning signs?
Help is a phone call away
What else can you do for yourself? (Please visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website here and click on each box for more details.) Find A Therapist/Support Group Speaking to someone, whether by going to a therapist or by attending a support group, can help you feel better and improve your mental health. These resources can help you find a psychologist, psychiatrist, or support group near you. Build A Support Network You don't have to deal with crisis on your own. Those you choose to confide in can provide encouragement and help you through a crisis. Use Your Support Network Leaning on your support network can help you cope during difficult moments and is an important step in getting help and moving forward. Make A Safety Plan A safety plan is designed to guide you through a crisis. As you continue through the steps, you can get help and feel safer. Keep your plan easily accessible in case you have thoughts of hurting yourself. Get More Info The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers additional resources for multiple audiences. Last, but not least, practice self-care. Self-care is self-love. Read our Family Ties’ August blog, “Make Every Day a Self-care Day” for self-care ideas! What can you do for someone else? ASK Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Asking in this direct, unbiased manner, can open the door for effective dialogue about their emotional pain and can allow everyone involved to see what next steps need to be taken. BE THERE This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk. KEEP THEM SAFE After the “Ask” step, and you’ve determined suicide is indeed being talked about, it’s important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety. Have they already done anything to try to kill themselves before talking with you? Does the person experiencing thoughts of suicide know how they would kill themselves? Do they have a specific, detailed plan? What’s the timing for their plan? What sort of access do they have to their planned method? HELP THEM CONNECT Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports (like the Lifeline, 800-273-8255) can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis. Additional components of a safety net might be connecting them with supports and resources in their communities. Explore some of these possible supports with them – are they currently seeing a mental health professional? Have they in the past? FOLLOW UP After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call. The follow-up step is a great time to check in with them to see if there is more you are capable of helping with or if there are things you’ve said you would do and haven’t yet had the chance to get done for the person. (#BeThe1To) (Please visit the #BeThe1To website here for more details about each of the 5 action steps.) Again, you are loved. Remember that. Always. 😊 For more information:
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