From OSPI’s Student Support Office, resources to support understanding suicide and warning signs.
There is no single cause of suicide. Suicide occurs at the intersection of stressors such as a lack of belonging, feeling burdensome, and health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance use.
Suicide is an attempt to solve a problem of intense emotional pain with impaired problem solving skills (Kalafat & Underwood, 1989)
Suicide Warning Signs
Signs of changes in behavior, especially if the behavior change is related to a painful event, loss, or change (such as failing a test, a breakup, or relocation). This may show up through talk, actions, or state of mind:
- Talking about killing oneself Feelings of hopelessness
- Feeling Trapped
- Unbearable Pain
- Increases in substance use
- Researching for methods of suicide
- Stopping normal activities
- Isolating
- Changes in sleep Saying their goodbyes
- Giving away possessions
- Humiliation/Shame
- Aggression/Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of Interest
- Relief or Sudden Improvement
Suicide Risk Factors
Risk Factors are the traits or circumstances that contribute to increased risk for suicide. This may be one or a combination of health, environmental, and historical factors.
- Mental health conditions
- Physical health conditions; pain
- Traumatic brain injury
- Exposure to another person’s suicide
- Access to firearms and drugs
- Harassment/bullying
- Relationship problems
- Previous suicide attempts
- Abuse/neglect
How to Help: LEARN
The University of Washington Forefront Suicide Prevention LEARN™ steps are an excellent tool for intervening with those who may be in a deep crisis and considering suicide.
To learn more, go to www.intheforefront.org
LOOK FOR SIGNS
LTalking, joking or researching about death. Feeling hopeless, depressed, trapped, irritable, agitated, anxious, ashamed, humiliated or burdensome. Changes in personality, academic/work performance, sleep, withdrawing from friends/activities. Abusing alcohol/drugs, reckless behavior, self‐harm/cutting, giving away possessions.
EMPATHIZE AND LISTEN
EMost importantly, just listen. Listen with compassion, remain calm, avoid judgement and validate their feelings. Don’t offer quick fixes, tell them everything will be OK, show anger, panic, or ask “why” questions. People who have survived suicide attempts report what was most helpful to them — just listen.
ASK ABOUT SUICIDE
AAsk in a way that invites an honest response. Use any signs you’ve noticed as part of the ask. Be direct. Use the word “suicide” and be prepared to hear a “yes.” Asking about suicide will NOT put the idea in someone’s head. Not asking is far more dangerous.
REDUCE THE DANGER
RMeans reduction is a proven approach to help make your home Suicide Safer. If they say yes, ask them “Do you have a plan?” “Do you have access to those means?” Restrict or remove access to firearms, medications, belts, ropes, knives, alcohol and chemicals. Report concerning posts on social media. See reporting links here: www.helpingcasey.com
NEXT STEPS
NNever leave the person alone. There are resources to help you and the person in crisis. See below. Provide a warm hand‐off (stay with the person until they receive help).
