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COMMON CONCERN #3

It is difficult to truly find out if someone is considering suicide, but asking is a positive first step (Reference 3).

The details are:

• Asking someone if he or she is suicidal is not the complete picture. Suicidal persons may provide reassurance that they are not considering harming themselves, but in fact have plans to do so.   The factors that contribute to suicide are diverse and come together like a giant puzzle. All factors should be considered when trying to determine suicide risk.
• For more information see: Associated factors

COMMON CONCERN #4

There are many different treatment options for a suicidal person (Reference 4).  

The details are:

• Treatment options are based on the level of care needed for a suicidal person and are based on the level of lethality (potential means to carry out suicidal plan) that is determined by a mental health professional in an initial assessment
• There are 3 options for level of care: outpatient, partial hospitalization, and full hospitalization
• Clients who are at a Low-Moderate to Moderate level of risk are usually treated in an outpatient setting
• Clients who are at a Moderate-High level of risk may require partial hospitalization, also called day treatment or intensive outpatient treatment.
• Clients who are at a High level of risk usually require hospitalization, and voluntary hospitalization is preferred
• Clients who are determined to have a considerable risk to harm themselves and who do not seek help voluntarily may need to have court mandated hospitalization/observation. Specific laws vary by states.
• For some people, intensive supervision by a family member or close friend is appropriate until they are no longer deemed to be at high risk

COMMON CONCERN #5

There are many things that you can do can do to help persons who may be suicidal (Reference 2).

The details are:

• Remember that as a helper you are not alone.   If you ever feel out of control, in need of help, not sure what to do, or just want assistance with a family member, friend, or acquaintance, call your local crisis hotline or any mental health professional.   There are people trained to help you and help the individual who you are concerned about.

• Ask the individual if they are suicidal
• Listen to their feelings and do not try to counter with clichés
• Take note of any plans for suicide, and make sure that they are in the company of another healthy person at all times and get professional help
• Remove all lethal means of suicide readily available to the suicidal person such as hand guns, prescription medication, alcohol or other drugs, etc.
• Contact a crisis line or take the individual to the nearest hospital for an evaluation
• Find out more about treatment resources in your local area, see: Treatment resources

COMMON CONCERN #6

There is no single reason why people attempt suicide.  

The details are:

• Researchers have not determined if there is a true cause of suicide, but they have found that many factors impact an individual's decision to attempt suicide
• The factors that contribute to suicide are diverse and complex, for more information see: Associated factors

COMMON CONCERN #7

There are many ways for non professionals to help someone who is suicidal.

The details are:

• Your presence and ability to seek help shows that you care and are concerned for a suicidal person.  
• While you may or may not be trained to help someone who is suicidal, you have the ability to get the assistance and services to meet the treatment needs of a suicidal person

COMMON CONCERN #8

Friends, family members, or acquaintances that have had a loved one die by suicide need help too (Reference 5).

The details are:

• Suicide is extremely traumatic for the friends and family members that continue to survive.   Grief as well as anger, resentment, remorse, confusion and distress over unresolved questions can impact the survivor.
• People who are survivors of the suicide of someone they cared about can benefit from group therapy, where they can relate to people who have been through a similar experience, and individual counseling. Most counseling services can refer individuals to groups or mental health providers in their local area.
• For more information on available survivor treatment options in your area, see Treatment resources

Internet

Suicide Information and Education Center/Canada (SIEC)

The SIEC is an international government Web site of Canada and consists of a special library and resource center providing information on suicide and suicidal behavior.

Access the SIEC Frequently Asked Questions at the following Web address:

http://www.siec.ca/faq/suicide/index.asp

Developed with the support of NIMH SBIR contract # N44MH22044

© Copyright iTeleHealth Inc., 2004

Last Updated: July 2004