Search Results for: blog talking to a suicidal person

Reassuring a Suicidal Person

In our continuing series on suicide, we look today at how to give reassurance, information, and hope to a person at risk of suicide. Suicide claims the lives of tens of thousands of Americans each year, and victims are of both genders, and come from a multitude of backgrounds. Certainly success and money are no insurance against the depression and anxiety that predates suicidal thoughts and actions. Once the crisis point has passed, (see links below for how to help a suicidal person), it is important to provide ongoing support for your friend or family member who has expressed suicidal … Continue reading →

Talking to a Suicidal Person

Dealing with a person who is having suicidal thoughts is thankfully not something we have to deal with every day. Consequently few of us are prepared should such a situation arise. In How to Help a Suicidal Person (1) and (2), we looked at ways to address the immediate situation of dealing with an at-risk person. Today we look at further themes in helping a distressed person. Listen non-judgmentally In dealing with a potentially suicidal person, respect is paramount. To reach a point of thinking about ending one’s own life, the person has lost respect for themselves, so they most … Continue reading →

How to Help a Suicidal Person (2)

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This is the second in a series of articles on dealing with an emergency involving a highly suicidal person. In How to Help a Suicidal Person (1) we covered issues such as not leaving the potentially suicidal person alone, what to say to the person, and the avoidance of physical contact when dealing with a highly disturbed or threatening person. This blog covered issues 1 through 3. Today we look at further coping techniques beginning with: 4. Seek immediate help. Without leaving the person alone (see 2), phone the Mental Health crisis number in your area. If you do not … Continue reading →

How to Help a Suicidal Person (1)

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What would you do if you suddenly encountered a friend, family member, or even a complete stranger who was showing strong signs of imminent suicide? Few of us are taught what to do in a situation such as this, so let’s look some ways to deal with this extremely difficult situation. 1. Do not get involved physically if the person is highly distressed and/or threatening. In this situation, talking is the best option The longer you can keep the person talking, even if it is only you who is doing the talking, the longer you will delay any dire action … Continue reading →

Dealing with Suicide

It’s a difficult subject to talk about but one that will more than likely be necessary at some point if you have teens. It is the issue of suicide. The youth group of my church is comprised of teens from all different area schools. However the community, in which my church is planted, is the same place where last week a 16-year-old boy took his life. So it has definitely touched a nerve. The 16-year-old didn’t attend our church but our youth pastor made himself available to the high school, for those who needed someone to talk to. And I … Continue reading →

Signs of Depression and Suicide

Depression, as a mental health illness, is one of those things that is hard to explain if you have never experienced it or see it in someone close to you. It’s more than just feeling down. It’s more than just a series of bad days. Anytime that depression begins to affect your ability to do the thing you normally do, then there is a chance it may be more than just being sad. Depression is a disease that affects millions of people, men and women, old and young, across all ethnic and cultural boundaries. And, chances are, it is affecting … Continue reading →

Did Heather Locklear Really Try To Kill Herself?

For several days now entertainment news shows and various publications have been reporting about a 911 call placed to authorities by a man claiming to be Heather Locklear’s doctor saying that the actress was suicidal. Earlier today the emergency call, which was placed last Saturday evening, was made public. In it a male caller is heard telling 911 dispatchers: “I have a patient and I have a feeling she’s suicidal. And I would want someone to go [check on her].” The man also referred to an incident at Locklear’s residence that made him worry about her safety. In any event, … Continue reading →

Alcoholism: When to Get Help

People can make a lot of excuses. My friend doesn’t really drink that much. I don’t have a problem. She can quit any time she wants. But sometimes you reach a point where you can’t make excuses any longer — you have to get help. Get help immediately — call 911 or another emergency service — if: Someone who has consumed alcohol is experiencing symptoms of alcohol poisoning like seizures, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. Someone is having serious withdrawal symptoms like confusion and uncontrollable trembling. Severe withdrawal symptoms can lead to death in some cases. Someone has been … Continue reading →

Update: 8th Grader Who Shot Himself Dies

A sad ending to an earlier blog concerning the 8th grader who shot himself in the head on Monday. Unfortunately, he died at the hospital Tuesday where he had been on life support in the pediatric intensive care unit. His suicide came as a shock to his family, friends and teachers. Everyone described him as being easy going and happy-go-lucky. However, he obviously had planned to kill himself because he left a message on his myspace.com site. An avid sportsman, he played baseball, basketball and football. He came from a close and loving family, which is why the family is … Continue reading →

8th Grader Attempts Suicide

I sit writing this blog with tears in my eyes. When I turned on the TV to watch the local mid-day news the main story was about a 13-year-old boy who attempted to kill himself this morning. His parents had just dropped him off at school and had no idea he was suffering from the type of depression that would make him take a gun and try to blow his brains out. He was found in a seated position behind the school’s gym with a small handgun resting beside him. As of this writing, he’s in critical condition. Two years … Continue reading →