Are you worried someone you know is thinking of suicide but you’re not sure what to do?
Here are 6 things to say and do to try and keep them safe:
- Ask directly about their suicidal feelings. Talking about suicide is the first step to preventing suicide!
- Let them know you care.
- Keep them away from anything that may cause harm such as guns, pills, ropes, knives, vehicles etc.
- Stay with them (eyes on at all times) and get a professional involved.
- Offer a message of hope – Let them know you will assist them in getting help.
- Connect them with help:
- Alaska Careline: 877-266-4357 text 4help: 839863
- Crisis Text for Life: 741741
- Alaska Suicide Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (press “1” for veterans)
- Visit the Juneau mental Health Directory at juneaumentalhealth.org
- If in an imminent crisis please go to the emergency department; or emergencies dial 911
Shared by the Juneau Suicide Prevention Coalition with permission from NAMI New Hampshire
National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Safety Mission: “Whether you’re a new gun owner in search of training, or an experienced marksman looking to support others, being safe with firearms is your responsibility.”
Website: nssf.org/safety
Location: 11 Mile Hill Road • Newtown, CT
Phone: 203.426.1320
- 30 second video of a man at a shooting range who talks about safely storing his firearm when he was depressed
- CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means), a free on-line course from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center designed for providers who counsel people at risk for suicide
- Information from the New Hampshire Firearms Safety Coalition
- Five plus minute video of a gun dealer talking with a non-suicidal gun purchaser about the importance of means reduction for suicidal persons
- Means Matter website from Harvard School of Public Health, a compendium of information on means reduction in the following topical areas: Means Matter Basics; Basic Suicide Facts; Lethal Means Counseling; Taking Action; Gun Owners; FAQ’s; Statewide Programs; Bridges and Suicide; Means Restriction in the News; and Resources.
- Oregon Firearms Safety Information
- Guide for health care providers: Addressing Firearm Safety in Your Suicidal Patient
- Guide for patients who may be suicidal: People Who Love Guns, Love You
- 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: See Strategic Direction 2, Goal 6: Promote efforts to reduce access to lethal means among individuals with identified suicide risk
- How to Talk About Guns and Suicide, a Ted Talk by a Colorado doctor about asking suicidal persons if they have access to a gun