When someone you care about is struggling, it can be hard to know what to do. Here are 5 suggestions from a #mentalhealthexpert

If you thought a friend or loved one was considering #suicide, what would you do?

“We’re seeing an increase in #suicidalideation among #teens and young #adults since the #pandemic started that’s quite dramatic,” said Cambria Bruschke, who holds a master’s degree in social work and is Kaiser Permanente’s national project lead for #suicideprevention.

In a June 2020 survey of more than 5,000 #Americans, 11% said they had seriously considered #suicide in the past 30 days. For respondents 18 to 24 years old, the number was 25%.

The statistics are alarming, but Bruschke recommends specific actions you can take to help support the people you love.

Don’t be afraid to talk about #suicide directly

Whether you’re thinking about #suicide or are concerned about someone else, the most important thing is to talk about it. If someone confides in you, listen and encourage them to seek help.

“Some people worry that bringing up the topic of #suicide with someone they are concerned about may put the idea in their mind,” said Bruschke, “but we know from the research that this isn’t the case. We need to be able to ask people directly if they’re having thoughts of harming themselves.”

Don’t be afraid to be direct. If you’re concerned, you can ask, “Have you been thinking about #suicide?”

Check out Find Your Words for more suggestions about how to bring up the topic with friends and family members in a nonthreatening and nonjudgmental way.

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn about #suicide. Learn what to say and what to do if someone you know is struggling.

“One of my favorite campaigns is Take 5 to Save Lives,” said Bruschke. “It guides you through 5 simple things you can do to get involved and stay informed.”

Know the warning signs

Keep an eye out for any changes, especially in #behavior. Listen for expressions of worthlessness, sadness, #isolation, or anger. Watch for either acting out or withdrawal, especially in #teenagers.

Create safe places

If someone you know has considered a specific method for #self-harm, remove access to that method from the immediate environment. For instance, if someone has considered using a gun for #self-harm, removing all #firearms or safely locking them away can make all the difference in a crisis. Any step that puts a barrier between thoughts of #suicide and a potential means for acting on those thoughts creates the space for a different choice.

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Get help when needed

Help and resources are available for anyone considering #suicide, as well as for people who are concerned about a friend or loved one.

Kaiser Permanente members can get connected to care at kp.org/mentalhealth.

If you or someone you know is having a #mentalhealthcrisis, including thoughts of #suicide, call or text the #NationalSuicide&CrisisLifeline at #988 or chat #988lifeline.org. You’ll be connected directly to a crisis-trained #counselor, and support is available 24/7. The lifeline can also be reached at its previous phone number: 1-800-273-8255.

If you or someone you know needs immediate emergency medical services for a #mentalhealthcrisis, including thoughts of #suicide, call #911 or go to the nearest #emergencyroom.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/07/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-how-you-can-help-prevent-suicide/