January 27th was Suicide Awareness Day. Every year a number of your peers, colleagues, and the every-day people you run into without noticing consider suicide to relieve their pain. Suicide awareness day is important in that it reminds us to take a step outside our own selves to notice others and take a genuine interest in our interactions with others. You never know when someone is silently trying to reach out.
Keep a look out for warning signs such as: expressing hopelessness, acting recklessly, abuse of alcohol and other substances, withdrawing from friends/family/society, experiencing dramatic mood swings, frequent references to death or dying, and giving away personal possessions or objects (among others signs). Although subtle, if you pay attention you may notice if someone is acting unlike themselves. Don’t back off, but don’t pressure. The best preventative measure to take is to consistently provide support, encouragement, and make sure to let the individual know that you care about them. If unsure of how to support the individual, take them aside and talk to them somewhere private, where you think they may feel most comfortable, and address some of the behaviors they have been exhibiting in a way that communicates your concern without implying judgment.
Some advice in approaching the topic:
- Always remember that talking about suicide can only decrease the likelihood that the individual will act upon their suicidal feelings. There is almost no risk in raising the topic.
- Find a safe place, allowing lots of time to discuss your concerns.
- Address how immediate the issue is directly. Consider asking, “Do you have a plan?” and help them contact emergency services if the danger is immediate.
- Admit your own concerns and fears, but do not use statements such as: “You shouldn’t be having these thoughts” and “Things can’t be that bad”. Do not minimize their feelings.
- As for offering support and concern, ask if there is anything you can do to help and mention resources such as family, friends, counseling, and crisis centers. Make a plan with them for the following hours/days, make contacts on their behalf, and go with them to get help if it would make them more comfortable. Let them know when you are available and make sure to be available at those times.
- Lastly, know your own limits and focus on connecting them to other resources that are better equipped to help, like counselors or medical professionals.
If you notice any warning signs and are worried for another’s safety, contact a mental health professional, EMS, or call 1-800-SUICIDE. You can also check out these resources for more information:
On-campus resources:
http://students.ubc.ca/livewell/services/counselling-services
http://www.ams.ubc.ca/services/speakeasy/
Off-campus resources:
http://crisiscentre.bc.ca
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthtopics/content.asp?hwid=suicd
Although Suicide Awareness Day is January 27th, remind yourself that mental health issues occur every day of the year and it is equally as important to support others during these times.
Always be your great and supportive self and you could change, or even save, the life of a special individual!
Written by Laura Spong
References:
http://thrive.ubc.ca/prevent-suicide/
https://toronto.cmha.ca/mental_health/preventing-suicide/#.VrBIt-lxvao