Preventative Tips:

1.Speak up if you are worried

I wanted to check in with you because you haven’t seemed yourself lately.

When did you begin feeling like this?

How can I best support you right now?

I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.

2.Respond quickly in a Crisis

Do you have a suicide plan?
(PLAN)

Do you have what you need to carry out your plan (pills, gun, etc.)?
(MEANS)

Do you know when you would do it?
(TIME SET)

Do you intend to commit suicide?
(INTENTION)

3.Offer Help and Support

Encourage positive lifestyle changes
Make a safety plan
Continue your support over the long haul
Contact local agencies for help
Recognize signs
Communicate concerns to loved ones or friends
Maintain close contact with person
Take threats seriously
Seek professional advice
Encourage treatment for depression or emotional problems
Make home safe by securing guns with trigger locks in a locked cabinet


WARNING SIGNS

Family history of suicide
Prior attempts
Change in sleep/appetite
Change in personality
Acting impulsively/recklessly
Saying “goodbye”
Self-destructive behavior
Seeking out lethal means
No hope for the future
Self-loathing
Self-hatred
Getting affairs in order

How Do You Remember The Warning Signs of Suicide?

Here’s an easy-to-remember Mnemonic:

IS PATH WARM?
I – Ideation
S – Substance Abuse
P – Purposelessness
A – Anxiety
T – Trapped
H – Hopelessness
W – Withdrawal
A – Anger
R – Recklessness
M – Mood Change