Vancouver/Richmond EPI
Early Psychosis Intervention

Suicide

The following information was provided by Suicide Attempt Follow-up Education & Research Program (SAFER). We gratefully acknowledge their contribution to this initiative and their permission to use this material.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR HELP

Family doctor
School counsellor
Crisis centers
S.A.F.E.R.
Mental Health Teams
The Emergency Department of your nearest Hospital
Religious counselor

S.A.F.E.R.: A COUNSELLING SERVICE FOR SUICIDAL CRISES
Suicide Attempt Follow-up Education & Research program
#311669 Broadway E, Vancouver BC, V5N 1V9
Telephone:

Please contact the S.A.F.E.R. office for counselling or referral information.
There is no fee for this service
S.A.F.E.R. also provides community education on the topic of suicide and a bereavement program for those grieving a death by suicide.
For further information or brochures on our various services, please contact S.A.F.E.R.

SUICIDE FACTS: HOW TO RECOGNIZE SUICIDE RISK HOW TO HELP YOURSELF IF YOU ARE IN A SUICIDAL CRISIS
Many people think about suicide in their lives. You possibly have a friend or relative who has thought about suicide.You, too, may have occasional feelings of hopelessness. Suicide crosses all social, economic and cultural boundaries. A significant percentage of people who complete suicide appeared to be functioning well prior to their death. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young men aged 124 in B.C. The rate for men over 65 is also high.

Women have a lower rate of death by suicide, but current trends show their attempts are becoming more lethal.

Four out of five people who complete suicide have previously expressed suicidal thoughts. It is very important to take all suicide thoughts and attempts seriously:

Direct or indirect statements about death or suicide. History of previous suicide attempts.
Recent traumatic loss (eg. Suicide death of a loved one)
Any sudden change in behaviour or mood (eg. From being talkative and outgoing to becoming withdrawn).
Depression (eg. crying, sleep and appetite disturbances, hopelessness).
Finalizing affairs (eg. giving away possessions, making a will or saying good-byes).
Increased use of drugs or alcohol.

You may be feeling confused and overwhelmed and believe you are in an unsolvable crisis. You are not alone.Others who have experienced emotional difficulties have been helped by reaching out to someone they trust or by talking to an experienced professional.

If you are in crisis, you deserve help.

LISTEN

Be aware of warning signs of suicide and take them seriously.
Discuss feelings openly and frankly.
If you suspect they are suicidal ASK.
Discussion is the first step in giving help.
Show concern and understanding.
Get involved in efforts to reach out for help.
Be objective and nonjudgemental.
Share responsibility by encouraging involvement of family and close friends.
Help the person to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses.

With counseling you can:

Expect emotional support.
Look at past and current issues that may be contributing to your difficulties.
Learn new problem-solving skills.
Begin to take charge and feel less helpless.
Find and build on your strengths.
Begin to identify alternative options to suicide.
There are other solutions.

FACT: Eight out of ten people who kill themselves give definite clues of suicidal feelings. [see checklist]
FACT: Suicidal people, even if they seem to have it all, may not feel okay about themselves. They feel they can't meet their own expectations.
FACT: Most suicidal people want to end their pain and see death as the only way out.
FACT: Talking with them about suicide doesn't increase their risk. He or she will more likely feel a sense of relief that finally someone is allowing them an opportunity to talk.
FACT: Suicidal people feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless and usually require professional support.
FACT: Just because the suicidal person is unhappy, doesn't mean they are crazy.Most of us have felt despair at some time in our lives and may have been suicidal.

ARE THEY SUICIDAL? CHECKLIST

What they're saying:

Nothing goes right for me.
Whatever, nothing matters anyway.
I just can't take it anymore.
It'll all be over soon.
I wish I was dead.

What's happening:

Relationship break-up
Family troubles
History of being abused or depressed
Feeling like a failure
Feeling like there's no place to turn for help

What you see:

Sadness
Lack of interest or energy
Changes in eating, sleeping habits, or appearance.
Any dramatic changes in behaviour, actions, or attitude
Being unusually quiet or unusually aggressive/angry.
Dropping out of hobbies, sports, school or job.
Talking about death or cult figures who died by suicide.
Taking risks (driving recklessly, unsafe sex)
Using alcohol or drugs a lot
Giving away possessions and saying good byes

HOW TO HELP

Learn the common clues that may indicate that your friend is suicidal.
Let them know you care about them and want to help.
LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN.
Ask questions about their feelings and let them do the talking.
Ask the question: Has it been so bad that you've thought of killing yourself?
Try not to judge or argue, just understand.
If you think they might harm themselves right now, don't leave them alone. Contact someone for assistance.
Ask for help, even if they've asked you not to tell anyone. Remember: BETTER AN ANGRY FRIEND THAN A DEAD FRIEND.
Continue to offer support and stay in contact with the person.Get support for yourself too.
Don't promise to keep secrets or keep it confidential.Involve a trusted adult immediately. LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP:
School: A favourite teacher/coach, a school counselor, a principal or vice-principal
A minister or rabbi
A trusted adult
S.A.F.E.R:
Child & Adolescent Response Team (C.A.R.T.):
#401212 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V1
Crisis Lines:
Greater Vancouver
Howe Sound and Sunshine Coast
TTY
BC Wide 80SUICIDE (782433)
Hospital Emergency Departments close to your home
National Youth Crisis Line
8044HOPE (4673)
Police or Ambulance 1
Parents, relatives, neighbours
Kids Help Phone 1(800)666868
Adolescent Services Unit for street youth:

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