Suicide Prevention Toolkit
Nearly 45,000 Americans die by suicide each year. This toolkit offers resources, tips, and other helpful information to help prevent these tragic deaths.
Essential Suicide Prevention Resources:
● Suicide Prevention Lifeline
● Suicide Prevention Resource Center
● National Institute of Mental Health: Suicide Prevention
● Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program
The Link Between Drug Addiction and Suicide
Drug addiction is one of the leading causes of suicide, second only to mental health disorders. To prevent suicide in our communities, it’s important to understand this dire connection.
● Understand what drives addiction.
● Understand what a dual diagnosis is.
● Get help with a substance abuse disorder.
● Fight addiction in your community.
5 Ways to Help a Loved One Through Suicidal Thoughts
If someone you love is struggling with addiction, depression, and/or suicidal thoughts, here are a few ways to help:
Encourage Self-care
One of the most challenging aspects of depression for many sufferers is the tendency to neglect self-care. Things like remembering medication, getting out of the house, avoiding addictive substances, and maintaining physical health become daily hardships. Help your loved one by encouraging them to prioritize personal care and recovery processes.
Lend an Ear
Listen, but don’t overreact. Having a nonreactive person to listen to one’s problems or struggles when needed can be a huge help in the recovery process.
Be Present
Depression causes feelings of worthlessness, leaving sufferers believing that others don’t want to spend time with them or that they’re bringing the people around them down. These thoughts can be the cause of social isolation, exacerbating symptoms of depression and increasing the risk of suicide. If a loved one seems down, invite them to a movie or offer to bring them dinner. Spending time with them can help prevent the negative effects of isolation.
Share Your Pets
Some quality time with a loving animal can greatly improve mood. Dogs, in particular, can provide a nurturing presence for people suffering from severe depression, as they can sense human emotion and will work to make the person feel better. Dogs also prompt people to get out of the house for walks and trips to the park. Keeping active is key, and dogs are willing to help.
Help with Daily Chores
When someone is suffering from depression, things that were once manageable can seem impossible. Keeping one’s house clean, for example, is something most people need to feel good. A cluttered home can cause stress or further symptoms of depression. Offer to go over to your loved one’s home to pick up and clean every once in awhile. It can greatly reduce their stress and prevent depression from overwhelming them. This might also be a good time to sweep the home for potential weapons. Ask if you can remove anything that could be used for self-harm.
Tips for Finding a Mental Health Professional
When someone is suffering from suicidal thoughts or a mental health disorder, speaking with a mental health professional can be a big help. Here are a few tips for finding the right therapist or counselor for you (or a loved one):
● Learn about the different types of therapy.
● Locate a the mental health professionals in your area.
● Know what to ask.
● If money is a concern, look for inexpensive options
