. Get Help ! If you or someone you know needs emotional help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline during a crisis. You can reach the Lifeline by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) .
Who Should Call?
- Anyone, but especially those who feel sad, hopeless, or suicidal
- Family and friends who are concerned about a loved one who may be experiencing these feelings
-Anyone interested in suicide prevention, treatment, and service referrals
Details About the Lifeline
*The service is free and confidential *The hotline is staffed by trained counselors *Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week *Information about support services that can help you
TTY Users If you are a TTY user, please use our TTY number: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:
-Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
-Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
-Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
-Feeling hopeless
-Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
-Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking
-Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
-Increasing alcohol or drug use
-Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
-Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
-Experiencing dramatic mood changes
-Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
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Posted by pineapple (Member # 11904) on :
What if Someone I Know Needs Help?
Looking out for friends and loved ones is an important part of preventing suicide. You can call the Lifeline to speak with a crisis worker on behalf of someone you are concerned about. The crisis workers have access to local resources, and can help you identify ways to get help to your loved ones. So call 1-800-273-TALK today to help save a life.
Here Are Some Other Ways To Be Helpful to Someone Who Is Threatening Suicide:*
Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
Don't dare him or her to do it.
Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Be Aware of Feelings:*
Many people at some time in their lives think about suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On the other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:
-Can't stop the pain -Can't think clearly -Can't make decisions -Can't see any way out -Can't sleep, eat or work -Can't get out of depression -Can't make the sadness go away -Can't see a future without pain -Can't see themselves as worthwhile -Can't get someone's attention -Can't seem to get control
If you experience these feelings, get help! If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help!
Posted by pineapple (Member # 11904) on :
Dr. Phil Helps Lifeline Prevent Suicide on YouTube
February 11, 2009 - Dr. Phil encourages people to call 1-800-273-TALK in a new video posted on the Lifeline YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/800273TALK
He talks about why people should reach out if they are in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and how there is not shame is asking for help. The clip was taken from a Dr. Phil Show about suicidal behaviors which featured guest Dr. Thomas Joiner, a Lifeline Steering Committee Member.
