I want to support someone in crisis
Click the above image to enlarge it and save it!
Consider your language
Knowing what to say—and what not to say—when someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts can make a significant difference in their journey toward healing. It’s important to approach these conversations with empathy, understanding, and care. Below are some common phrases to avoid, as well as alternative responses that show compassion and support. By using thoughtful language and following up with ongoing care, you can help those in need feel heard and supported.
Click the above image to enlarge it and save it!
Find Help and Share Resources
Speaking of Suicide: This website is filled with advice for those considering suicide and guidance for friends and family on how to support their loved ones during a crisis. It also includes links to hotlines, blogs, and book recommendations.
Behind the Scenes Charity: This is a fantastic resource for individuals in need of support and for mental health allies. It offers a Mental Health Self-Screening tool, resources for those coping with alcohol and substance use, and fact sheets on how to recognize a mental health crisis and what to do.
Database of Therapists: This database features therapists specializing in helping those in the entertainment industry. Many offer sliding-scale payment options and all understand the unique schedules and stressors of the industry.
Trainings for Allies: Mental Health First Aid and Bystander Intervention Training webinars (90 minutes) are offered regularly throughout the year.
Myths and Facts about Suicide
(from nami.org)
Debunking the common myths associated with suicide can help society realize the importance of helping others seek treatment and show individuals the importance of addressing their mental health challenges.
Myth: Suicide only affects individuals with a mental health condition.
Fact: Many individuals with mental illness are not affected by suicidal thoughts and not all people who attempt or die by suicide have mental illness. Relationship problems and other life stressors such as criminal/legal matters, persecution, eviction/loss of home, death of a loved one, a devastating or debilitating illness, trauma, sexual abuse, rejection, and recent or impending crises are also associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Myth: Once an individual is suicidal, he or she will always remain suicidal.
Fact: Active suicidal ideation is often short-term and situation-specific. Studies have shown that approximately 54% of individuals who have died by suicide did not have a diagnosable mental health disorder. And for those with mental illness, the proper treatment can help to reduce symptoms. The act of suicide is often an attempt to control deep, painful emotions and thoughts an individual is experiencing. Once these thoughts dissipate, so will the suicidal ideation. While suicidal thoughts can return, they are not permanent. An individual with suicidal thoughts and attempts can live a long, successful life.
Myth: Most suicides happen suddenly without warning.
Fact: Warning signs—verbally or behaviorally—precede most suicides. Therefore, it’s important to learn and understand the warnings signs associated with suicide. Many individuals who are suicidal may only show warning signs to those closest to them. These loved ones may not recognize what’s going on, which is how it may seem like the suicide was sudden or without warning.
Myth: Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide.
Fact: There is a widespread stigma associated with suicide and as a result, many people are afraid to speak about it. Talking about suicide not only reduces the stigma, but also allows individuals to seek help, rethink their opinions and share their story with others. We all need to talk more about suicide.
Risk Factors
Suicide is complex; there are multiple contributing factors. Certain factors can place people at a higher risk for suicide, while other factors build resilience and protect a person from thinking about suicide. It is the combination of factors, and especially risk factors that outweigh protective factors, that can put a person at risk of suicide. These factors can contribute to suicide risk:
‣ Substance use disorder with co-occurring disorders such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety
‣ Feelings of hopelessness
‣ Stressful life events
‣ Lack of social support
‣ Living alone
‣ Chronic pain
‣ History of childhood abuse
‣ High aggression/impulsivity
‣ Belonging to a sexual or gender minority
‣ Previous suicide attempt