Understanding Suicide
Name 3 risk factors
mental illness, alcoholism, drug abuse, previous attempts, family history, history of trauma, terminal illness, chronic pain, social isolation, loneliness
Most individuals give warning signs or signals-name three
Talking about it, seeking access to guns or other means, preoccupation with death, no hope for the future, self-loathing or self-hatred, withdrawing from others, saying goodbye, sudden sense of calm, getting affairs in order
If you are unsure of whether a colleague is thinking about suicide, what should you do?
Ask them
True or False: Mental Health First Aiders assess for any crisis, not just for the risk of suicide or harm.
True: Mental Health First Aiders need to continually assess whether an individual is in crisis. There are situations that may become a crisis, and situations that present an immediate crisis.
The help provided to a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing a mental health crisis, or a worsening of their mental health.
What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)?
True or False: If someone is serious about dying, they will not tell anyone, they will just do it.
False: Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide can save their a life.
Explain why a person who is actively thinking of suicide may start giving things away to friends or family
Because they have made the decision to die, and are getting affairs in order
Name one way to start a conversation with a colleague about suicide
I have been worried about you lately, recently I have noticed some differences and wonder how you are doing, or I wanted to check in with you because you have not seemed yourself lately
_________ is an important part of demonstrating nonjudgmental listening.
Remembering! If a person opens up to you, and you forget what they say the next day, they may not feel comfortable opening up to you again or others.
Approach; Listen; Give; Encourage; Encourage
True or False: If you talk to someone about suicide, it may cause them to try to attempt it
False
Two examples of the most important and direct question to ask if you believe someone is at risk for suicide
Are you thinking about suicide? Are you thinking of killing yourself?
When talking to someone who is thinking about suicide, Do:
Be yourself, listen, be empathetic, offer hope, take them seriously
True or False: Giving reassurance and information is the same as giving advice.
False -Reassurance is a statement, comment, or action that helps to remove a person's fears. Information is a set of facts provided about a given topic.
The ALGEE Action Plan centers around ______.
Assess. Because first aiders are continually assessing whether the individual is in crisis. And continually assessing whether to change their approach.
True or False: Suicide is an attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable
True
Why a person with thoughts of suicide may all of a sudden become very calm
They have made the decision and feel a sense of "relief"
When someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, Don't:
Argue with them, act shocked, promise confidentiality, offer ways to fix their problem, blame yourself
Professionals who can help
Medical doctors, advanced practitioners, psychologists, social workers, counselors therapists, crisis support specialists, substance use professionals, certified peer specialists
ALGEE is a __________ process.
Non-linear. MFHAiders are not required to use the actions steps in a specific order.
True or False: Removing or delaying access to lethal means can prevent suicide.
True
Why a person contemplating suicide may start withdrawing from friends and family
Because they are in extreme depression or emotional pain, and because they are starting to "prepare"
True or False: When you are with a colleague who says they are going to die by suicide, you should immediately leave and get help
False-DO NOT leave them alone
Self-help and other support strategies
People (family, friends coworkers, neighbors, faith community); Activities (exercise, yoga, journaling, hobbies, medication, mindfulness, self-help books, relaxation); Programs (support groups faith/religious groups, book clubs, art, rec centers, drumming circles, volunteering programs)
True or False: MHFA is most effective as an early intervention.
True. Typically, the sooner you can connect a person to professional and self-help resources, the better the outcome for the person.