If you are a regular reader of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s electronic newsletter, you already know what September’s theme is – Suicide Prevention Awareness Month! And you already know that we are a partner of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, answering all 1-800-273-TALK calls that originate in Hillsborough County. What you may not know is that, on average, we answer between 10-17 calls from the Lifeline EVERY DAY. These calls come from young and old, rich and poor, and from every ethnicity and racial background. Not only do we answer those calls to keep people alive in the moment, we connect those calling with our amazing Care Coordination program. Care coordination is the bridge between the hotline call and treatment or resource services. Together, the Lifeline and care coordination are lifesaving. But, these two things are only one part of our community’s safety net. YOU are truly the key, and this is why….
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has developed a 5-step approach for communicating with someone who may be suicidal (www.bethe1to.com/bethe1to-steps-evidence). This approach is supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention. While access to the 1-800-273-TALK line is vitally important, these 5-steps are ones YOU can take to keep someone from dying by suicide.
- Step 1 – ASK THE QUESTION – “Are you thinking about suicide?” By asking this simple question, you are communicating that you are open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Equally as important is the flip side to the question – LISTEN. Take every word and phrase seriously and listen for the reasons they are in pain as well as reasons they want to live.
- Step 2 – KEEP THEM SAFE – Find out if they have a plan including lethal means. Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal means (or chosen method for a suicide attempt) is an important part of suicide prevention. Your goal is to put TIME and DISTANCE between the person and their chosen method.
- Step 3 – BE THERE – Many suicidal people believe they are alone. Connectedness is a key protective factor against suicide. So, whether it is being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk, you are demonstrating by your words and actions that you care.
- Step 4 – HELP THEM CONNECT – Call 1-800-273-TALK together and support them as they talk with a Helpline specialist. Typically, the Helpline will work with your person to create a “Plan to Live”. You can be instrumental in helping them implement this plan.
- And finally, Step 5 – FOLLOW UP - After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call. Each of these ways helps your person feel connected.
Once the crisis is past, please make sure to take time for yourself. Helping someone through a suicidal crisis is very stressful so utilize your self-care techniques. You can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself! And remember, you can always call the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay by dialing 2-1-1 before, during and after a crisis.
#BeThe1To Make a Difference!
Clara
