How to save a life: Suicide prevention on a personal level
January 01, 2020
It is a shocking and disturbing fact that for college-age people, suicide has been
the 2nd leading cause of death since 2011. Many are a bit baffled by why someone would take
their own life. In short (with a few exceptions), it’s usually about overwhelming
emotional pain.
It is important to understand that we as human beings seem to have the ability to
endure enormous anguish and suffering. So why, then, do some succumb to this means
of escape? They are desperate for relief, no matter how it’s achieved. Often the person
becomes convinced this is their only option, and they feel absolutely alone in their
pain.
Most of us can better endure intense suffering if we know and feel the caring camaraderie
and support of others close beside us, walking along with us through our pain. Unfortunately,
some who are in anguish begin to believe that no one understands, and they begin to
increasingly feel estranged from others, unable to connect with anyone. This is common
for those who become depressed. This perception becomes quite convincing and is further
facilitated by the depressed person’s social withdrawal, as their inner torment is
shielded from others.
So what can we do to help someone who is in such a crisis?
- Go to them – in person, if at all possible, or ask someone else to make a personal visit.
- Call them often.
- Invite them to get out of the house and talk, walk and share.
- Invite them to get involved in activities with you, a group of trusted friends, a 12-step meeting (or Celebrate Recovery meeting), a Bible study or other group of caring people.
- Listen to their feelings and thoughts, and then gently help them recognize that their current thoughts and perceptions may not be accurate, productive or reliable.
- Encourage them to see a professional counselor and visit with their physician.
- Always call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room immediately if you think they are planning to attempt suicide.
The ACT model is another helpful tool to keep in mind:
- Acknowledge how they’re feeling.
- Care enough to get involved.
- Tell someone who might be better equipped to intervene (a counselor, crisis worker, pastor or physician).
The ACT model is an adaptation of the Screening for Mental Health model for suicide intervention. For more helpful insights and ideas go to: www.stopasuicide.org.
Ouachita offers free counseling services in the Office of Student Development. Learn more, take an online screening or make an appointment at www.obu.edu/counseling.
Dan Jarboe serves as OBU’s university counselor
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