National Suicide Prevention Week: September 7-13
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 911, or your local mental health care or medical provider.
Suicide is a community issue and major public health issue. It’s very important that we all work together to recognize people at risk of depression or with signs of suicide risk. What can I do, some may ask? We can all reach out – friends, neighbors, co-workers, relatives, school personnel, law enforcement, coaches, clergy, and doctors. Be aware of our family and friends who might be struggling! Asking someone about suicide does not plant the idea. This myth causes roadblocks to helping those at risk of suicide. Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide in a caring and concerned manner does not cause suicide and may help a person realize it’s okay to be struggling and seek help. We need to educate ourselves on risk factors and warning signs. While there is no test to see if someone is suicidal, there are risk factors and warning signs.
The American Association of Suicidology has created an easy phrase to remember warning signs: IS PATH WARM? This is something everyone can learn and remember. It stands for
I Ideation (talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself)
S Substance Abuse (increased alcohol or drug use)
P Purposelessness (no reason for living; no sense of purpose)
A Anxiety (anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep/sleeping all the time)
T Trapped (feeling trapped - like there's no way out)
H Hopelessness
W Withdrawal (withdrawing from friends, family and society)
A Anger (rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge)
R Recklessness (doing risky activities, seemingly without thinking)
M Mood Changes (dramatic mood changes)
These are a few ideas on how we can be better prepared to intervene when we see a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or relative in distress. We need to trust our gut feeling. Don’t be afraid to tell your friend that you’re concerned; you’ve been noticing changes — which something’s not quite right and you’re worried. This open dialogue can help individuals seek professional help, and ultimately, save a life. Don’t keep it a secret; get help for someone at risk.
Stephen Roggenbaum
Assistant in Research