Suicide Intervention Training
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Suicide Intervention Training Susan Becker – PhD Danny Sandoval - MA Suicide Intervention • Suicide Intervention is not intended to be a form of counseling or treatment. • Suicide Intervention is intended to offer hope through positive action. Suicide Intervention • Myth • Fact – No one can stop a – If people in a crisis get suicide, it is inevitable. the help they need, they will probably • Myth never be suicidal again. – Confronting a person • Fact about suicide will only – Asking someone directly make them angry about suicidal intent and increase the risk of lowers anxiety, opens suicide. up communication and lowers the risk of an impulsive act. • Myth • Fact – Only experts can prevent suicide. – Suicide prevention is everybody’s business, and anyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide Suicide Intervention • Myth • Fact – Suicidal people – Most suicidal people keep their plans to communicate their intent sometime during themselves. the week preceding • Myth their attempt. – Those who talk • Fact about suicide don’t – People who talk about do it. suicide may try, or even complete, an act • Myth of self-destruction. – Once a person • Fact decides to complete – Suicide is the most suicide, there is preventable kind of nothing anyone can death, and almost any do to stop them. positive action may save a life. Suicide Intervention • How can you help? – Listen to your instincts… – Ask about suicide – Help the Person at risk stay safe for now – Know how to find more help Tools that help Active Listening Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues Suicide Intervention Suicide Warning Signs (Invitations to talk about suicide) • The more signs observed, the greater the risk. Take all signs seriously. • Even a subtle sign is an invitation to ask about suicide Suicide Intervention Direct Verbal Invitations • “I’m tired of life, I just can’t go on.” • “I wish I were dead.” • “I wish I could just disappear • “I’m going to end it all.” • “If (such and such) doesn’t happen, I’ll kill myself.” Suicide Intervention More Subtle Verbal Invitations • “My family would be better off without me.” • “Who cares if I’m dead anyway.” • “I just want out.” • “I won’t be around much longer.” • “Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about me.” • Others??? Suicide Intervention Behavioral Invitations • Previous suicide attempt • Giving away prized • Acquiring means of possessions suicide • Sudden interest or • Depression, moodiness, disinterest in religion hopelessness • Putting personal affairs • Drug or alcohol abuse in order • Unexplained anger, • Others??? aggression and irritability Suicide Intervention Situational Invitations • Being fired or being • Diagnosis of a serious or expelled from school terminal illness • A recent unwanted move • Sudden unexpected loss of • Loss of any major freedom/fear of punishment relationship • Anticipated loss of financial • Death of a spouse, child, or security best friend, especially if by • Fear of becoming a burden suicide to others • Loss of a cherished • Others??? therapist, counselor or teacher Suicide Intervention Tips for Asking the Suicide Question • If in doubt, don’t wait, ask the question • If the person is reluctant, be persistent • Talk to the person alone in a private setting • Allow the person to talk freely • Give yourself plenty of time • Have your resources handy Suicide Intervention What might happen if you ask the question indirectly? • “Have you been unhappy lately? • “Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?” What might the person at risk think? Suicide Intervention Direct Approach: • “You know, when people are as upset as you seem to be, they sometimes wish they were dead. I’m wondering if you’re feeling that way, too?” • “You look pretty miserable, I wonder if you’re thinking about suicide?” • “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” NOTE: If you cannot ask the question, find someone who can. Suicide Intervention What would happen if you asked the question this way? “You’re not suicidal, are you?” GROUP PRACTICE – Pairs of 2 or 3 Suicide Intervention HOW TO INCREASE SAFETY • Listen to the person and give them your full attention • Don’t rush the person to a solution or try to fix the problem for them. • Do not rush to judgment • Do offer hope in any form • Offer a 3rd choice – Safety for now. Suicide Intervention Considering Choices: •The person at risk in considering death •We as caregivers want the person at risk to choose life •That pressure can push the Person at Risk toward death •The third alternative we can offer is “safety for now” Suicide Intervention To Help Choose Safety for Now: • Say: “You sound uncertain, would it be ok to choose to keep safe for now, while we get more help?” • Say: “I want you to live,” or “I’m on your side...we’ll get through this.” • Get Others Involved. Ask the person who else might help. Suicide Intervention After you have talked, ask at least one of these questions: • “Will you go with me to get help?” • “Will you let me help you get help?” • “Will you promise me to stay safe for now while we find some help?” YOUR WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN AND TO HELP CAN REKINDLE HOPE, AND MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Suicide Intervention People at risk of suicide often believe they cannot be helped, so you may have to do more. • The best referral involves taking the person directly to someone who can help. • If the person at risk can choose safety for now with your help, that will maximize their safety Suicide Intervention Campus Referral Protocol Suicide Intervention Campus Referral Protocol (pages 4 & 5) Suicide Intervention Suicide Intervention Potential Outcomes from Student of Concern Reporting Form – Welfare check performed by GJPD – Referral to BCS – Appointment/Follow Up by a Mentor – Residence Life follow up – Connections with student organizations • NAMI – National Alliance for Mental Illness Club • PEPS – Peer Educator Program for Student Well-Being • Psychology Club Suicide Intervention REMEMBER Since most efforts to persuade someone to choose safety for now instead of suicide will be met with agreement and relief, don’t hesitate to get involved . “SEE SOMETHING…SAY SOMETHING” Suicide Intervention WITH SUICIDE INTERVENTION YOU PLANT THE SEEDS OF HOPE. HOPE HELPS PREVENT SUICIDE. Suicide Intervention • MindSprings Crisis Line: 241-6022 • National Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 • Behavioral Clinical Services: 241-6500 • Colorado EAP: 1-800-821-8154 • On campus emergency: 911 • [email protected] • For more information: – American Association of Suicidology: • www.suicidology.org • Has fact sheets for specific concerns, also statistics. – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org – REGISTER FOR MARCH 23 & 24 ASIST TRAINING Resources If you are concerned about a student, staff, or faculty member, , and report your concerns: Emergency Situations: Call 911 Student Services Office: 970-248-1366 Human Resources Office: 970-248-1266 Student of Concern Reporting form: http://coloradomesa.edu/safety/report.html [email protected] Conclusion Thank you for coming! Reminder: Q&A Follow up session Wednesday, 3/4/2015 1:30-2:30 p.m. Location: UC West Ballroom.