Posted on August 31, 2012
Harlem World Magazine
We¡¯ve lost two neighbors in-and-out of Harlem to suicide over the past week; afew days ago Martha Corey-Ochoa, a student from Columbia jumped from her 14 story dorm room and yesterday Chris Lighty (pictured on the right), record executive who worked with Diddy, and many others shot himself.
If someone you know is in crisis and want to know how to prevent suicide, please follow these directions:
If someone you know is showing warning signs of suicide, don¡¯t assume the symptoms will go away with time. The sooner you recognize the risk and get professional help, the less chance there is that suicide will occur. Here are some tips to help prevent suicide:
¡öAsk the person how they are feeling. It¡¯s OK to ask if they have thought of suicide. Don¡¯t worry that you are planting an idea. If they have been thinking about killing himself, they will be relieved and grateful to talk about it with a caring person.
¡öIf they answer yes, ask them if they have a plan, and how and when they would do it. Find out if they have a means to commit suicide. If they answers make you feel they is in immediate danger for hurting themselves, do not leave them alone. Remove anything they could use to hurt themselves, such as guns or stockpiled pills. Get him immediate help. You may have to call 9-1-1.
¡öNever promise not to tell anyone of their suicidal feelings or plans. Don¡¯t worry about losing a friendship because saving a life is more important. Don¡¯t call their bluff, minimize the problem, or lecture them.
¡öLet them know you take them seriously, and you know they really hurts inside. Let them know you care about them and will do your best to help. Tell them what they is feeling is treatable, and that their suicidal feelings are temporary.
¡öFollow through. Help them find a doctor or a mental health professional. Be supportive. Be there when they makes that first phone call, or go with them to the first appointment. Do not assume they will make that first step on thier own.
¡öAfter they have received help, continue to support them. Help them stay involved in daily activities. Encourage them to take any prescribed medication. Encourage them to keep counseling appointments. Be available to them.
What should you do if your child or a teen you know seems to be a suicide risk?
¡öLet them know that they can talk to you. Set aside a private place and time for this.
¡öListen to them. Let them talk without criticism or interruptions. Take them seriously, and don¡¯t make light of their problems.
¡öReassure them that there is help available, and that getting help is positive and not something to be embarrassed about.
¡öTalk to your doctor, minister, preacher, or rabbi, or a mental health professional about your concerns.
Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know is in suicidal danger.
Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) ¨C National Hope Line Network.
¡ö(Available 24 hours/7 days)
Call National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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Friday, August 31st 2012 at 3:05PM
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