Letter to the editor: National Suicide Prevention Month

Contact:
Christen Rennich
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080 /christen.rennich@sanfordhealth.org

Letter to the Editor
RE: National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
From: Amber Thykeson, RN, BSN
Program director for Senior Life Solution at Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center

September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Suicide is preventable and we can all play a role in preventing it by learning to recognize the warning signs, showing compassion, and offering support. Providers and staff at Sanford Hillsboro’s Senior Life Solutions program are working to raise awareness and is here to help.

If you are in a crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. If you or someone else is in an emergency situation, call 911.

Knowing these warning signs may help determine if someone is at risk for suicide:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

Suicide prevention starts with recognizing these warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think someone you know may be feeling suicidal, the best thing to do is ask.
If you are uncertain of how to be there for someone in need, the National Institute of Mental Health recommends five action steps:

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) in your phone, so they are there when you need them. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.