Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services | Gibson gets it! | Fall/Winter 2018

GibsonHospital.org 10 WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO TELL if someone you cared about was at risk for suicide? That’s a crucial question—suicide is the 10th leading cause of death nationwide. Most people who kill themselves are deeply conflicted about ending their lives. They wish there was an alternative, but they’re in so much emotional pain they see no other option. Suicide doesn’t discriminate. People of all ages—from children to seniors—and all ethnic backgrounds are at risk. Because suicide has no boundaries, Behavioral Wellness Center clinical therapist Sara Williamson, MSW, LCSW, says, “It is extremely important for people to know the resources available to them, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which is a 24-hour hotline that can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 .” What to watch for It’s critical to know the warning signs for suicide and to take them seriously, especially when someone talks about suicide. It’s a myth that most people who talk about suicide won’t do it. Get help if someone: • • Seeks out guns, pills, knives or anything else that could be used for suicide. • • Is obsessed with death—for example, they might write poems about it. • • Appears hopeless or trapped or has dramatic mood changes. • • Expresses self-loathing or shame or feels they are a burden to others. • • Is self-destructive or reckless or withdraws from family and friends. • • Says goodbye as though they won’t be seen again. • • Gets their affairs in order—for example, makes a will or gives away prized possessions. Also be aware that certain people are more vulnerable to suicide than others. Risk factors include: • • Chronic pain, mental health problems (such as depression), alcoholism or drug abuse. • • Past suicide attempts or a family history of suicide or physical or sexual abuse. Willamson urges those witnessing any warning signs to intervene: “If you have concerns that someone you know may be considering suicide, it is very important to ask them directly, ‘Are you having thoughts of killing yourself?’ ” By asking them this question directly and possibly a few times during the conversation, they might take the opportunity to express exactly how much they are hurting—allowing you to take action in getting them help.” SaraWilliamson, MSW, LCSW, sees clients Monday through Thursday at the Behavioral Wellness Center in Gibson City and Friday at Family Health Care of Fairbury. Suicide: Know the warning signs and get help Helping someone in emotional pain 1 Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. 2 Keep them safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. Asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference. 3 Be there: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts. 4 Help them connect: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone so it’s there when you need it: 1-800-273-8255 . You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual, like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor or mental health professional. 5 Stay connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown that the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person. >> Take action If there’s any chance someone you know is considering suicide, get them to the nearest emergency department or call 911. Don’t leave them alone, and remove any weapons or potentially deadly objects, like pills. You can also call theNational Suicide PreventionLifeline: 1-800-273-TALK .