Chasing Death
Suicide Prevention- How can you help?
What are the warning signs of a suicidal person?
Verbal Clues
- "I wish I was dead."
- "I'm going to kill myself."
- "I'd be better off dead."
- "If I died today, no one would care."
- "I just don't want to live anymore."
Nonverbal Clues
- Start giving away their personal items
- Change in sleeping pattern (sleeping too much or too little/having trouble sleeping the night through)
- Loss of interest or pleasure in social activities (hobbies, outdoor activities, hanging with friends)
- Aggressive behavior
- Unexplained crying
Where can you go for help?
- The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1(800)273-8255. This line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to anyone in the country.
- The La Crosse, Wisconsin suicide hotline is 1(800)362-8255. They are also open 24/7 and serve Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau and Vernon Counties.
- The Aging and Disability Resource Center for Monroe County is located at 14305 County Hwy B in Sparta, Wisconsin. They "provide information and assistance in accessing benefits and services to adults and families relation to aging, disability, mental health or substance abuse. Click here to visit their website.
- The Psych Central Depression Support Group. You can go here to join forums and talk with people to help with depression. Click here to visit this group.
- helpguide.org is a helpful website that can show you how to help a friend that is suicidal. Click here to visit the site.
How is suicide preventable?
Suicide is preventable and many people who are suicidal leave warning signs that if noticed on time, can save their life.
- Acknowledge warning signs.
- Speak up if you're worried. --"I wanted to check in with you because you haven't seemed like yourself lately", "I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help."
- Respond quickly in a crisis. -- If a suicide attempt seems imminent, call a local crisis center, call 911, or take the person to an emergency room. (DO NOT EVER leave them alone)
- Offer help. -- Have them get professional help, follow up on treatment, be proactive, encourage positive lifestyle changes, make a safety plan, and remove potential means of suicide.
- Support them afterwards. -- Make sure they know that you care and are willing to listen to them if they ever want to talk about their worries or doubts about continuing to live.