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Suicide Information and Resources

 

If you are thinking about suicide, please don't harm yourself.  

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.  It is forever.  

It cannot be taken back.  It changes everything for forever.  It ends 

dreams and creates nightmares.  It shatters hope and creates despair.  

It steals away all potential and leaves a wasteland of regrets and pain.  

And it disrupts the natural order of life by taking a precious being from 

our presence and robbing us of their beauty, depth, meaning, and spirit.

 

                         Your life matters.  Pain can be alleviated.  

Whatever has happened, whatever you're feeling, whatever you've experienced . . . 

                       there are answers and there are solutions. 

                    This can get better.  We can find an answer

                            Please, give hope a chance.

 

PLEASE SEEK IMMEDIATE HELP

PLEASE STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING, PICK UP THE PHONE, AND CALL 

                                                                                    800     273     TALK 

                                                                                         (800    273     8255)

           

 

 

UNDERSTANDING AND HELPING THE SUICIDAL PERSON

 

Source: American Association of Suicidology

Be Aware of the Warning Signs

Are you or someone you love at risk of suicide? Get the facts and take appropriate action.

Get help immediately by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-8255 for a referral should you witness, hear, or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of the following:

               
Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill 
                him/herself.

                Someone looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills,
                or other means.

                Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the 
                ordinary for the person.

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-8255 for a referral should you witness, hear, or see someone you know exhibiting any one or more of the following:

                Hopelessness
                Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
                Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
                Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
                Increased alcohol or drug use
                Withdrawing from friends, family and society
                Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
                Dramatic mood changes
                No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life

What To Do

Here are some ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide:
bulletBe direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
bulletBe willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
bulletBe non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.
bulletGet involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
bulletDon’t dare him or her to do it.
bulletDon’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.
bulletDon’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
bulletOffer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
bulletTake action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
bulletGet help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Be Aware of Feelings

Many people at some time in their lives think about completing suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:
bulletCan’t stop the pain
bulletCan’t think clearly
bulletCan’t make decisions
bulletCan’t see any way out
bulletCan’t sleep, eat or work
bulletCan’t get out of depression
bulletCan’t make the sadness go away
bulletCan’t see a future without pain
bulletCan’t see themselves as worthwhile
bulletCan’t get someone’s attention
bulletCan’t seem to get control

If you experience these feelings, get help!

If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help!

Contact:
bulletA community mental health agency
bulletA private therapist or counselor
bulletA school counselor or psychologist
bulletA family physician
bulletA suicide prevention or crisis center