The Resilience Rally community is committed to ending the stigma surrounding suicide and providing resources to those who are struggling with their mental health or wish to support others. We've done research to outline the warning signs of suicide, how to help a loved one who is suicidal and information to help understand suicide.
Suicide Warning Signs
Increased alcohol and drug use
aggressive behaviour
withdrawal from their community
impulsive or reckless behaviour
saying things like "I don't want to be here" or "nothing matters"
dramatic mood swings
Signs of immediate danger
Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
collecting and saving pills
giving away possessions
tying up loose ends
saying goodbye to family and friends
How to help:
If they are a danger to themselves or others, take them to the hospital, call their doctor, or dial 911.
Help them contact a mental health professional and offer to escort them to their sessions.
Talk to them about how they are feeling. Talking to someone about their suicidal thoughts does not make them more likely to end their life.
Empathize with them. You can say something like, "I can't imagine how painful this is for you, but I would like to try to understand."
Remind them that they are NOT a burden and are not alone in their fight. Try to have someone with them as much as possible so they feel less alone.
Helping someone with suicidal thoughts is likely to have a big impact on you. Seek support for yourself and remember that you are not responsible for their actions.
Understanding suicide:
Why might someone end their life?
to escape what they feel is an impossible situation
to relieve unbearable thoughts or feelings
to relieve pain or incapacity
What kind of thoughts might they be having?
I have let myself and other people down
I am a burden
I am a failure
No one needs me
What's the point of living?
I will never find a way out of my problem
I have lost everything
Things will never get better for me.
Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text "NAMI" to 741741
Find Mental Health Professionals:
Ask your GP for a referral
Psychology Today online database
Betterhelp
Talkspace
The Trevor Project