Family Resources, Suicide Prevention

• IMALIVE Mental Health Fair

• NEVER GIVE UP, You Matter

• Guides for Families
• Warning Signs

Talking about suicide is safe and protective. 
We often hear that people are hesitant to ask directly about suicide because they fear that doing so will put the idea into the person’s head. However, research shows that asking directly about suicide is actually one of the safest and most protective things we can do. If someone wasn’t already thinking about suicide, they are much more likely to be honest if they are asked directly and without judgement. The best ways to ask about suicide are: “Are you thinking about suicide?” OR “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

People who are talking, writing, posting, or joking about suicide should be taken seriously. 
It is common for us to hear that people who are behaving in these ways are “just looking for attention.” It can feel frustrating, especially if the person has said or done the above behaviors before. People who are seeking attention are doing so because they need connection. This is important because connection and support are key protective factors for those struggling with suicide. Even when it feels frustrating, take all statements and signs of suicide seriously, no matter what.

If people get the support they need, they are likely to stay alive. 
Research shows that 90% of people who survive a suicide attempt don’t go on to die by suicide. This doesn’t mean they will never feel suicidal again. It is very possible for people to live with chronic suicidal ideation, and some people may attempt suicide multiple times in their life. However, we know that when people get the help they need, they are very likely to stay alive. They have more tools to rely on when they need to cope with any future crises. Suicide is not inevitable. Suicide is preventable. 

Most people exhibit some warning sign(s) of suicide during the week preceding their suicide attempt. 
It is true that most people communicate in some way the week preceding their suicide attempt/death. It is important to know the warning signs and get comfortable asking directly if someone is thinking about suicide. Warning signs for suicide often look like expressions of pain, avoidance of pain, and experiences of loss or change.

The most effective way to prevent suicide is by safely storing lethal means, especially firearms. 
If someone doesn’t have access to the items they need to carry out their suicide plan, they are significantly more likely to stay safe and get the help they need. There are many ways to make your home suicide safe. Evidence shows that practicing safe storage of firearms and medications is the most effective means of prevention.

Firearms:

• During a suicide crisis, storing all firearms outside of the home is the safest option.
• Lock up all firearms inside the home, preferably unloaded.
• Store and lock ammunition separately from the firearm(s).
• Utilize cable locks or trigger locks on firearms, and/or remove components of the firearm as additional measures of safety.
• Reach out to your local law enforcement offices for free gun locks (not guaranteed).

Medication:

• Opioids should not exist in the home unless it is absolutely necessary to manage pain.
• If opioids and/or other addictive medications must be kept in the home, ensure that they are locked up and inaccessible except for in very limited quantities.
• Safely dispose of unused, expired, or unnecessary medications.
• Keep small quantities of over-the-counter and other prescription medications on hand; lock up the rest.
• Ask your pharmacist to utilize blister packs instead of pill bottles.
• Discuss options with your prescriber for limiting quantities per prescription (temporarily) and/or prescribing medications/medication combinations that are less lethal.

Other considerations:

• Install safety barriers for bridges, buildings, and other jumping sites.
• Lock up alcohol since there is a significantly increased risk of suicidal behavior when intoxicated.
• Lock up and/or monitor access to sharps (razors, kitchen knives, art supplies, etc.) at least temporarily until the suicidal crisis passes.
• In some cases, limiting the time a suicidal person spends alone is the best approach to safety.
   

Source is page 44-45 at https://www.ksde.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=MrSPa-tZPg0%3d&tabid=515&portalid=0&mid=7797.