EDITORIAL
Local, national resources available
for loved ones acting out or in need
Phil Donahue once said, “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Suicide Prevention Lifeline organization encourages all of us to take a proactive approach to this nation’s daunting suicide problem.
Professional counselors approach the issue by believing suicide is not inevitable for any situation. They encourage everyone to take action, whether that is providing support services, reducing access to means of self-harm and following up with loved ones.
And national organizations dedicated to prevention of suicide rely heavily on local crisis counseling and crisis centers.
An option with caring and dedicated people locally is the Hill Country Community Needs Council. Their five counselors are trained to deal with those having issues and respond with caring professionalism.
It is important to disseminate information which can help someone. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline organization has a social media hashtag, #BeThe1ToAsk. They offer several tips on how to help:
Ask – Research shows people having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce, rather than increase, suicidal thoughts.
Keep them safe – They also encourage reducing or eliminating lethal means from one’s home or surroundings, as well as simply being there for people.
Be there – Individuals are likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with someone who listens without judgement.
Stay connected – Studies also indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of helplessness. Follow up – Lastly, studies also have shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for those recently discharged from hospitals or care services.
Let’s do what we can to help those in need and do what we can to keep others from committing this “permanent solution” when life presents difficult challenges.– K.E.C.
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