Suicide Prevention by Jamie Bradway

It is National Suicide Prevention Month. And, while we have a lot to say on the topic, we’ll lead off with resources for you in case you’re currently in crisis or supporting someone who is.

Resources

If this is a life-threatening or medical emergency, call 911. If routed to law enforcement, many communities in North Carolina have Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officers and you should request one. CIT programs help law enforcement, mental health providers, and medical services collaborate to provide relevant and sensitive care to people experiencing a mental health crisis.

Nationally:

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. If you aren’t in a position to talk aloud on the phone right now, you can chat with a crisis counselor at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Counselors there will provide you with support, information, and resources.

NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) also runs a HelpLine with counselors specifically trained to support teens and young adults. They provide multiple means of reaching out:

 1-800-950-6264, or chat, or text “Friend” to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org

In North Carolina:

Reach out to Crisis Solutions North Carolina to be directed to local resources. This resource from the NC Division of Health and Human Services is loaded with information while providing easy-to-access connections to local support.

In Wake County:

Crisis Services are managed by Alliance Behavioral Healthcare. They’re available 24-7 at 800-510-9132. Their customer service folks will work with you to determine the level of support that best fits your situation and they have mobile crisis units that can send professional counselors to your home. They also have a 24-7 crisis line: 877-223-4617 or you can visit their Crisis Center at UNC Health Care at Wakebrook 24 hours a day. (Located at 107 Sunnybrook Rd, Raleigh NC 27610; call and let them know you’re on your way: 919-250-1260)

Characteristics of Crisis

Now that you know where to go in an emergency or mental health crisis, what are some of the warning signs that you or someone you know is contemplating suicide?

• Withdrawal from friends and loved ones; self isolating behaviors
• Marked mood swings or aggressive behavior
• Erratic or impulsive and reckless behavior
• Increased alcohol and drug use

While any of those might be an indicator of just a bad day, be on the lookout if any become a pattern. Also, if these new patterns are combined with any of the following risk factors, your friend may need additional care and attention:

• Family history of suicide
• Access to firearms
• Chronic illnesses or discomforting medical situations
• Prolonged stress and anxiety
• Recent tragedy or loss
• Gender – although more attempts are made by women, 79% of deaths by suicide are by those who identify as men
• LGBTQ+ youth are four times as likely to attempt suicide than cis heterosexual teens

How to Provide Support

Supporting someone during a mental health crisis is all about presence, patience, calm, and compassion. Let your friend or loved one know that you’re there to listen and support them without judgment. This means avoiding argument or debate about whether suicide is right or wrong, nor whether their life is “really that bad.” Threats and guilt may make the situation worse than it is. Instead, voice your concern and support. Don’t shy away from the topic of suicide: you can and should ask if they are considering killing themselves and, if yes, if they have plans and means to do so. If you are able, separate your friend from their intended means of suicide, along with alcohol and drugs that may be an additional risk factor. Try some ‘active listening skills’ while being supportive, including reflecting their feelings and summarizing their thoughts. You want your friend to feel heard and validated. Make an effort to listen more than speak and keep your phrases and questions simple and calm. Offer to help them take the first step in reaching out for care: “Can I call your therapist (or local healthline) for you?”

Caring for Yourself

Finally, providing support to someone going through a mental health crisis can take time and may be exhausting. If you can, enlist the support of other caring members of your group. Make sure you’re caring for your own needs when you can. And know that there is hope. Demonstrating to your friend that they have a solid support system, combined with a range of professional therapeutic responses, can help your friend develop positive coping skills that may help carry them through future episodes.

In the midst of National Suicide Prevention Month, let us remember that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments. By providing support, reaching out for help, and being there for one another, we can make a profound difference in someone’s life. Remember, you are not alone, and together, we can create a world where mental health is valued, and lives are saved. Reach out, listen, and care for one another, because in unity, there is strength. Let’s continue to spread awareness, compassion, and hope throughout this month and beyond.