Chaplain Mike Lavelle 538-6570

The following Guide to Suicide Prevention has been prepared to assist and provide you with some basic insights to the cause and response to the problem of suicide.

This training can help you in developing a sense of confidence in recognizing potential problems, making constructive action to defuse the situation, and making a prompt referral as needed.

Attempts at suicide, and suicidal thoughts are indicative that ability to cope is being overwhelmed, often as a result of some event or series of events that are traumatic or distressing. In many cases, the events in will pass and their impact can be mitigated or resolved. It is important to help a distressed individual make constructive choices about dealing with crisis when it is at its worst.

People usually attempt suicide to block unbearable emotional pain, which is caused by a wide variety of problems and can be complicated by unendurable psychological pain or frustrated psychological needs. It is often a cry for help. It is important to recognize the cry for help. Because of their distress, suicidal people often feel isolated; and may not reach out for help. Most suicidal people give warning signs in the hope that they will be rescued, because they are intent on stopping their emotional pain, not dying.

In 1990 30,780 Americans killed themselves.

Thoughts on suicide: Most suicidal people do not want to die, they feel helpless and believe there is nothing to hope for. They want help but have trouble asking for it. A suicidal gesture is a call for help. Most suicidal ideation will not result in a suicide. Of course, a person with a extremely strong desire can kill themselves in spite of all the help given. Getting to know your people will help you to identify personnel at risk. The presence of one or more of the pre-suicidal behavior patterns or warning signs indicates a higher risk group.

Warning Signs: Suffered a major loss in their life recently. Talk of killing themselves. Struggle with lack of hope and meaning. They are depressed, disoriented and or defiant. They suddenly shift to a happy mood. Struggle with insomnia or stress.

Risk Factors: Fired from job. Unexpected death of loved one. Accident, loss of limb or disfigurement. Divorce or separation. Substance abuse. Legal problems.

Indicators of Depression: Inability to concentrate. Loss of appetite or sexual drive. Poor personal care or sleeping habits. Preoccupation with death. Becomes a "loner." Increase in substance abuse. Don’t have a sense of hope. Acts of aggression and or rebellious behavior. Display rigid thinking: view life in either/or categories.

Verbal Clues: I'm going to kill myself. I wish I were dead. I'm not the man I used to be. I'm going to do something. I'm tired of life, nobody needs me anymore.

Behavioral Clues: Sudden recovery from depression. Apparently improved outlook on life. Sudden resignation from organization. Previous attempts. Giving away possessions. Putting affairs in order. Composing suicide note. Unexplained behavioral change.

Do they have the means and the plan.

Have they attempted suicide before?

Do they have a family history?

Do they have a lack of roots?

Do they withdraw?

Are they confused?

Do they complain of a vague illness?

Do they mention a urge to kill?

Fable: People who talk about it don't do it.

Fact: 8 out of 10 have given warning signs.

Fable: Suicide happens without warning.

Fact: Most suicides have given many clues and signs.

Fable: Suicidal people are fully intent on dying.

Fact: They may be unclear about dying and gamble with death, as they just want to stop the pain.

Fable: Improvement after a suicidal crisis means no more risk.

Fact: Most suicides happen about 3 months after "improvement."

Fable: Suicide strikes among the rich or poor more frequently.

Fact: Suicide is represented among all levels of society.

Fable: Suicidal people are crazy and mentally ill.

Fact: Most suicide actions are the result of overpowering unhappiness, resulting from illness, or the loss of hope. It is a temporary condition that does not necessary indicate mental illness.

Assume every gesture as a cry for help.

DON"T become shocked by what the person is saying; get into a philosophical debate; stress embarrassment or hurt to the family (it may be what they want); say "go ahead" or dare them to do it, put them on hold, assume it is a ploy.

If you receive a phone call, do the following: Determine the location of the caller, ascertain what did the individual take? Was alcohol also consumed? Is anybody else in the area? If so talk to that person and get help. Finally, keep the line open until help arrives.

Remember that talking to an individual about your concerns or suspicions does help! Listen, offer help, spread responsibility by getting others involved, and stay with the person until help arrives.

Encourage healthy personalities that identify in self: (who I am) rather than possessions (what I have), or roles (what I do).

Encourage positive life perspectives, sustaining belief in a positive spiritual, religious, philosophical or ethical framework to support life, and one's understand of their meaning and purpose.

Encourage realistic expectations of life: Understanding of crisis, traumas, beginnings, endings, transitions, and changes.