Suicide Prevention

Suicide is preventable. Knowing the risk factors and the warning signs of suicide can help prevent suicide and help others get the care that they need.

• FACTS – be aware of the warning signs by knowing the FACTS:
  • F – Feelings – expressing hopelessness about the future
  • A – Actions – displaying severe/overwhelming pain or distress
  • C – Changes – showing worrisome behavior cues or changes in behavior (such as withdrawal from friends or activities, changes in social activities, anger or hostility, or changes in sleep)
  • T – Threats – talking about, writing about, or making plans for suicide
  • S – Situations – experiencing stressful situations (such as situations that include loss or change, create personal humiliation/shame, or involve getting in trouble at school, at home, or with the law)

Suicide is linked to mental disorders, particularly depression and substance use disorders, and the biggest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt. Suicide does not discriminate based on race, gender or age.

• Action steps for helping someone in need:
  • Ask – “are you thinking about killing yourself?” or “are you thinking about suicide?”
  • Keep them safe – reduce access to lethal items or places (ex: get rid of unnecessary medications & ask a family member to keep temporary possession of a firearm)
  • Be there – listen carefully and acknowledge their feelings
  • Help them connect – call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Stay connected – follow up and stay in touch after a crisis

• Starting the conversation
  • Start by speaking with them privately and with empathy.
  • Let them know that you understand, and it’s okay and normal to struggle sometimes with life’s challenges.
  • Normalize mental health by talking about it directly.
  • When having the conversation about mental health, try to think of it the same way you talk about physical health.
  • Examples:
    • “I noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. I care about you and am wondering how you are doing.”
    • “With everything that is happening at home, are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed?”
    • “When I was struggling at a time, I found it helpful to talk to someone I trusted. I can be a listening ear if you want to talk.”
• Continuing the conversation
  • The moment you notice a friend struggling with their mental health might not be the right time to talk to them. It is okay to circle back.
  • Let them know you will be there to have a conversation at a time that’s right for them.
  • Some people might be afraid that talking might be a burden to others, often saying something like, “You must be tired of hearing about all of this.”
  • You can reassure them that you want to be there to support them, but you can also offer to help them find someone else to talk to if they prefer.
  • Examples:
    • “The other day you seemed upset; I was concerned and wanted to see how you are doing. Do you want to talk?”
    • “I want to be there for you. I get that life is difficult, so I am here to listen and support you.”
    • “Is there someone else who would make you feel more comfortable to talk to? I can help you find someone if you would like.”
• Ending the conversation
  • End the conversation by reassuring them that you are glad they were able to talk to you about this.
  • Remind them that life can have difficult challenges at times, but you will continue to be there for them.
  • Examples:
    • “Everyone goes through periods of time where they are struggling, but just because you are struggling now, does not mean you will always feel this way.”
    • “I hear that you are struggling. I think talking to a professional could be helpful.”
    • “If you are not ready to go in person, you can talk to someone through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Free Help 24/7.”
    • “I can help you find a health care provider. We can figure it out together.”
• After the conversation
  • After the initial conversation, it is important to follow up and check in on the person’s wellbeing.
  • Offer ongoing support and encouragement and let them know you are always going to be there for them.
  • Regularly checking in can ensure that the person is reminded they are not alone, and there are people in their life who care to help them throughout their journey.
  • Make sure to take care of yourself.
• If you suspect someone is considering suicide:
  • Let them know you’re listening, and you support them.
    • “Nothing you’re going through changes how I feel about you. I am here to support you.”
    • “Your situation sounds difficult. How long has this been going on?”
    • “Have these experiences led to specific changes in your life? Are you having difficulty eating or sleeping?”
  • Be direct and ask questions
    • “Are you thinking about suicide?”
    • “When it gets really bad, what do you do?”
• If someone tells you they are considering suicide:
  • Do not leave the person alone.
  • Never promise the individual you will not tell someone.
  • If the person says they are going to kill themselves, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.
  • Try to find out if the person under the influence of alcohol or drugs or may have taken something to cause an overdose.
  • Tell a family member or trusted person about what is going on right away.
  • Get help from a trained professional as quickly as possible.
  • Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to receive additional help for you and the individual - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Free Help 24/7.

• Support – listen and ask
  • Pay attention to the individual’s mood and behavior
  • If you notice changes, directly ask them if they are thinking about suicide
• Firearms – remove and lock
  • Ask a trusted friend or family member to keep it temporarily
  • Utilize the Red Flag Law (also known as the Jake Laird Law) – this law allows law enforcement to temporarily seize firearms from people who present as a danger to themselves or others without requiring a warrant or judge’s signature
  • Lock the firearm securely and separately from the ammunition
• Medications – lock and limit
  • Don’t keep lethal doses of medications that are no longer needed
  • Consider locking up medications (both prescription and over the counter)

• 988 – connect with counselors for free support 24/7. Get connected with skilled counselors in a non-judgmental and confidential manner through call, text, or messaging online - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Free Help 24/7
• FindTreatment.gov – a comprehensive resource for those seeking treatment for mental health services or substance use services - Home - FindTreatment.gov
• Suicide Prevention Best Practices Registry - Best Practices Registry
• Statewide Resources–
  • ISPN website - Home - Indiana Suicide Prevention Network
  • DMHA - FSSA: DMHA: Suicide prevention
  • DTIP - Health: Trauma System/Injury Prevention: Suicide Prevention
• BeSMART - Gun Safety Resources | Be SMART