Suicide Intervention Training. Susan Becker PhD Danny Sandoval - MA

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1 Training Susan Becker PhD Danny Sandoval - MA

2 Suicide Intervention is not intended to be a form of counseling or treatment. Suicide Intervention is intended to offer hope through positive action.

3 Myth No one can stop a suicide, it is inevitable. Myth Confronting a person about suicide will only make them angry and increase the risk of suicide. Myth Only experts can prevent suicide. Fact If people in a crisis get the help they need, they will probably never be suicidal again. Fact Asking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety, opens up communication and lowers the risk of an impulsive act. Fact Suicide prevention is everybody s business, and anyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide

4 Myth Suicidal people keep their plans to themselves. Myth Those who talk about suicide don t do it. Myth Once a person decides to complete suicide, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them. Fact Most suicidal people communicate their intent sometime during the week preceding their attempt. Fact People who talk about suicide may try, or even complete, an act of self-destruction. Fact Suicide is the most preventable kind of death, and almost any positive action may save a life.

5 How can you help? Listen to your instincts Ask about suicide Help the Person at risk stay safe for now Know how to find more help Tools that help Active Listening Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues

6 Suicide Warning Signs (Invitations to talk about suicide) The more signs observed, the greater the risk. Take all signs seriously. Even a subtle sign is an invitation to ask about suicide

7 Direct Verbal Invitations I m tired of life, I just can t go on. I wish I were dead. I wish I could just disappear I m going to end it all. If (such and such) doesn t happen, I ll kill myself.

8 More Subtle Verbal Invitations My family would be better off without me. Who cares if I m dead anyway. I just want out. I won t be around much longer. Pretty soon you won t have to worry about me. Others???

9 Behavioral Invitations Previous suicide attempt Acquiring means of suicide Depression, moodiness, hopelessness Drug or alcohol abuse Unexplained anger, aggression and irritability Giving away prized possessions Sudden interest or disinterest in religion Putting personal affairs in order Others???

10 Situational Invitations Being fired or being expelled from school A recent unwanted move Loss of any major relationship Death of a spouse, child, or best friend, especially if by suicide Loss of a cherished therapist, counselor or teacher Diagnosis of a serious or terminal illness Sudden unexpected loss of freedom/fear of punishment Anticipated loss of financial security Fear of becoming a burden to others Others???

11 Tips for Asking the Suicide Question If in doubt, don t wait, ask the question If the person is reluctant, be persistent Talk to the person alone in a private setting Allow the person to talk freely Give yourself plenty of time Have your resources handy

12 What might happen if you ask the question indirectly? Have you been unhappy lately? Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up? What might the person at risk think?

13 Direct Approach: You know, when people are as upset as you seem to be, they sometimes wish they were dead. I m wondering if you re feeling that way, too? You look pretty miserable, I wonder if you re thinking about suicide? Are you thinking about killing yourself? NOTE: If you cannot ask the question, find someone who can.

14 What would happen if you asked the question this way? You re not suicidal, are you? GROUP PRACTICE Pairs of 2 or 3

15 HOW TO INCREASE SAFETY Listen to the person and give them your full attention Don t rush the person to a solution or try to fix the problem for them. Do not rush to judgment Do offer hope in any form Offer a 3 rd choice Safety for now.

16 Considering Choices: The person at risk in considering death We as caregivers want the person at risk to choose life That pressure can push the Person at Risk toward death The third alternative we can offer is safety for now

17 To Help Choose Safety for Now: Say: You sound uncertain, would it be ok to choose to keep safe for now, while we get more help? Say: I want you to live, or I m on your side...we ll get through this. Get Others Involved. Ask the person who else might help.

18 After you have talked, ask at least one of these questions: Will you go with me to get help? Will you let me help you get help? Will you promise me to stay safe for now while we find some help? YOUR WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN AND TO HELP CAN REKINDLE HOPE, AND MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

19 People at risk of suicide often believe they cannot be helped, so you may have to do more. The best referral involves taking the person directly to someone who can help. If the person at risk can choose safety for now with your help, that will maximize their safety

20 Campus Referral Protocol

21 Campus Referral Protocol (pages 4 & 5)

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23 Potential Outcomes from Student of Concern Reporting Form Welfare check performed by GJPD Referral to BCS Appointment/Follow Up by a Mentor Residence Life follow up Connections with student organizations NAMI National Alliance for Mental Illness Club PEPS Peer Educator Program for Student Well-Being Psychology Club

24 REMEMBER Since most efforts to persuade someone to choose safety for now instead of suicide will be met with agreement and relief, don t hesitate to get involved. SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING

25 WITH SUICIDE INTERVENTION YOU PLANT THE SEEDS OF HOPE. HOPE HELPS PREVENT SUICIDE.

26 MindSprings Crisis Line: National Crisis Line: Behavioral Clinical Services: Colorado EAP: On campus emergency: 911 For more information: American Association of Suicidology: Has fact sheets for specific concerns, also statistics. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: REGISTER FOR MARCH 23 & 24 ASIST TRAINING

27 Resources If you are concerned about a student, staff, or faculty member,, and report your concerns: Emergency Situations: Call 911 Student Services Office: Human Resources Office: Student of Concern Reporting form: Safety@coloradomesa.edu

28 Conclusion Thank you for coming! Reminder: Q&A Follow up session Wednesday, 3/4/2015 1:30-2:30 p.m. Location: UC West Ballroom