Suicide prevention

A few years ago a friend called me who was in trouble. I couldn't understand what she was saying, but I could recognize her voice. By the time my husband and I got to her, she was face down in vomit on the floor and was unresponsive. We helped her and called 911 and they came and scooped her up and took her to the emergency room. I stayed with her as they cleaned out her stomach and saved her life. She had overdosed and it wasn't the first time nor would it be the last attempt.
I know this is a difficult subject, but it is an important subject. I don't think that we can turn our backs on it because it is unsavory and no one wants to think about it. I've been thinking about how to help those who are contemplating suicide a lot over the last month or so. The affects can be so devastating for the ones left behind. I've observed how difficult it is for the family and friends who are close to the person who left them unexpectedly. They sometimes feel that it was their fault or that they should have done more to help. Suicide causes a lot of remorse.
I ask myself, what can be done to prevent this tragedy?
There is a lot written on the subject. Check out this link at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for more information, and this link for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.

What Are The Warning Signs For Suicide?

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

I can see some of these warning signs in my friend even now. She lives alone. She is estranged from her family. She is a dear kind friend, but she has some significant mental health challenges. Given all of her obstacles, I marvel at her strength to fight back and to carry on. I've know her for more than 20 years and I've observed a thing or two that really helps her. I think these are things that would help anyone with suicidal tendencies.

1. Friends she can depend on. People who are her friends unconditionally. People who accept her for what she is and don't try and change her.
2. Friends who listen, who invite her to go places, who show an interest in her life. People who take time to be with her and do things, even little things. She doesn't want to feel like she is a "project" for anyone. She can tell the difference.
   
3. A hobby or way to express some creative abilities.
   
4. Work. Having something to do.
   
5. Consistency. We have a walking date every Monday at 5:30. We rarely miss, rain or shine. Her other friends have similar things that they do with her. She counts on it. She needs it. EVERYONE needs human interaction.
6. Service. She has found a way to serve. She tutors students who need help with math. She volunteers at the library. She gives to others in other ways as well and this really makes her feel worthwhile and needed. The more she is needed, the happier she is! The more purpose her life has, the better goes her mental health. I believe that most people need to feel needed and wanted. It's a pretty sad life otherwise.
7. Faith in a higher power. A belief that our lives have a purpose and that we are on the earth to accomplish some things and to return to our Father in Heaven.
   

There are so many people who feel alone in the world. They may be alone in the world. I think it is very important to identify people who are lonely, the aged, the sick, single people who are shut ins and who may not have a strong support group. Visit them, take them somewhere, show some interest in their lives. Be their friends. My opinion is that some suicides could be prevented if people took notice and reached out more. Make a visit. Pick up a phone. Send a card. Say hello. Set a lunch date. Just talk and ask the person how they are doing. Listen.
What are your thoughts? What can be done to prevent this tragedy?