how to help someone thinking of suicide
If someone you know is having more than just a bad day, struggling emotionally, they may have considered suicide. Here’s how to help someone thinking of suicide in Connecticut. Look for signs, listen and respond appropriately. Your actions could save their life.
Signs to look for:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
- Do you ever feel like giving up?
- Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
- Are you thinking about dying?
- Are you thinking about how or when you would do it?
If your friend or loved one exhibits any of these signs, it’s important to start a conversation with them. Find a safe space to speak and ask a few questions to help you better understand. Sometimes it’s just a bad day, other times, it’s more. Be sure to be sensitive and listen.
Some good questions include:
- Do you ever feel like giving up?
- Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
- Are you thinking about dying?
- Are you thinking about how or when you would do it?
If your friend or loved one exhibits these signs it’s important to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 800.273.8255 to understand next steps to help or have your friend or loved one call if they are willing.
Helping someone you love during this difficult time can also take an emotional toll. Help is available for you as well. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800.273.8255 or CHR at 1.877.884.3571.
(Resource: Suicide Prevention Lifeline)