ADVICE

I was called to help with a woman who suffered from alcoholism, and was refusing to go to her scheduled treatment center. When I arrived she was conscious but intoxicated. I called her by name and softly talked to her. I asked her the following questions: Will you come with us to the treatment center? “No”. Do you hurt anywhere? “No”. Are you thinking of hurting yourself? “Yes”. Do you have a plan? “Yes”. Do you want to die? “Yes”.

At this point I called 911 and asked for the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) to come. MCOT members are trained Certified Peer Support Specialists who respond to individuals in crisis along with a team of mental health professionals, paramedics and police.

It’s important NOT to avoid the subject of suicide if you think someone is extremely depressed or has expressed suicidal thoughts. Here are three resources that can help guide a conversation with someone who may be suicidal

Resources

Question, Persuade, Refer.
https://qprinstitute.com/

Be the One to ASK!
https://www.bethe1to.com/bethe1to-steps-evidence/

National Suicide Prevention.

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/