The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention has been formed in response to the increase in suicides and suicide attempts throughout the country. Their mission and goals are to:
- Prevent premature deaths due to suicide across the life span
- Reduce the rates of other suicidal behavior
- Reduce the harmful after-effects associated with the traumatic impact of suicide on the family
- Promote opportunities and settings to enhance resiliency, resourcefulness, respect and interconnectedness for individuals, families and communities.
With today’s economic crisis and many “Baby Boomers” not being able to retire as planned it is no suprise that the group with the highest suicide rate are individuals in the 65 plus age group. Men are more likely to completed the act of self annhilation than women. Men also tend to use more lethal means such as a firearm. The highest subgroup within the 65 plus age group are single males over age 65.
There are many possible triggers and verbal cues. This is not a complete list but some life events that could trigger a suicide are: suicide of a loved one, job loss, losing one’s home and having nowhere to go, financial problems, family illness, one’s own health issues, loss of purpose, legal problems, victim of a crime,
trauma, and substance abuuse.
Often I hear, “ I should have picked up on something he or she said.” Some of those verbal cues are: “I can’t go on like this.” ” There are just too many people and not enough jobs!” “Who would want to hire someone my age anyway?” “If you leave me I’m dead.” ”Life no longer has meaning.” ”I feel like I am an anchor around your neck. I’m just in the way.” ”You’d be better off without me.” The list goes on and on. If a loved one recently lost a job and seems depressed, ask them something subtle: “Have you ever had thoughts of just dying and getting it over with?” When a loved one is going through some rough times keep an eye on them. Look for some of the previous statements or situations.
Other suicidal indicators may be buying a weapon, suddenly having flareups of post traumatic stress disorder, giving away possessions, making a will, checking the fine print of a life insurance policy, or talking about a long trip. When you have a loved one who is depressed and is facing a major life change such as being forced into retirement, or has recently lost a spouse, keep your eyes and ears open. Again, don’t be afraid to ask. If nothing else, the person will feel someone cares about what happens to them.
Other questions you might ask are as follows
- If all your problems went away, how would your life be different?
- Have you been thinking of “I wish I could just end it all.”
- If you were suicidal, how would you do it?
- Do you have the means?
- Have you ever attempted suicide before?
Some don’ts when talking to a person at risk are:
- Don’t keep it a secret
- Don’t leave the person alone
Be there for the person. Don”t act shocked. Be warm, empathetic, and caring. If you feel the person is at high risk call for help immediately, especially if the person has the suicidal thought plus the plan and the means. Suicide is a major health problem. There are many out there with no jobs, no income, who are desperate and feel there is no hope. Get the help you or the other person needs now!
In Palm Beach County, if the person is in Crisis call 911 and ask for a CIT officer. CIT stands for Crisis Intervention Team. They are deputies who have training on how to talk with a suicidal person. Another helpful number is 561 383 5777. You can also call me at 561 309 4140.
Again! Suicide is a Life or Death matter. Get help today!
- don’t offer promises you can’t keep.
- Don’t try to cheer the person up.
- Don’t say things like everything happens for a reason.