Suicide Prevention & Awareness

What you can do to help save a life...

We all need to feel cared for, particularly in times of stress or difficulty.

  •  If you are concerned that someone may be considering suicide, let him or her know that you are concerned for them and are there to help.
  • Support from family, friends or even a caring stranger can be the difference in someone getting help or not.

Some warning signs to be aware of:

  • Threatens suicide
  • Talks about wanting to die
  • Shows changes in behaviour, appearance or mood
  • Abuses drugs, alcohol, gambling
  • Deliberately injures themselves
  • Appears sad, depressed or withdrawn

It takes courage and caring to ask this question

  • Asking someone if they are thinking about killing themselves will not make them suicidal.
  • In fact asking the question, 'are you thinking about suicide?' can be the first step in preventing suicide because it gives the person permission to talk about how they are feeling.

Prepare yourself to ask these questions, stay calm, listen and do not judge.

Ask these questions:

  • Are you having thoughts of suicide? or Are you talking about killing yourself?
  • Do you have a plan? How & When?
  • Do you have a way (the means) to do it?
  • Have you ever tried to take your life before?

If the person answers yes to any of these questions, get help immediately - see below

  • Reassure the person that help is available, that they are not alone. Be sensitive to their feelings and show respect for their pain.
  • Do not agree to keep the person's suicidal thoughts a secret. Work with them to find the help needed. Let them know that seeking help is a sign of strength.
  • Helping someone who is suicidal can be very stressful, do not try to do everything yourself. Connect the person with a professional and remember to look after yourself. 

Trust your instincts

Other factors such as the use of alcohol or drugs, previous attempts, mental health concerns add to the risk of danger.

Getting Help

To get help or for more information

    1800SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) - 24 hour service throughout B.C.

or

    1-888-353-CARE (1-888-353-2273) - 24 hour service within the southern interior of B.C.

     

Information:

 

We gratefully acknowledge the following for their significant funding of the Suicide Prevention Program:

United Way of the North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap

 The Province of British Columbia