Suicide is a scary topic, and it is terrifying to think that a loved one may be considering it. Follow the below steps to assist in helping your friend or loved one.

What to do if you suspect someone is suicidal:

• Talk to them alone in a private setting;
• Ask them if they are thinking of killing themselves or are suicidal;
• Ask them if they have a plan.

If the answer is yes, take them to the local GP/ Caredoc  or contact your local Crisis Intervention centre RIGHT AWAY and DON’T leave them alone.

If the answer is no, make an appointment for them to see their therapist, psychiatrist, or doctor as soon as possible, and ask them how you can help them. Try to get them help as soon as possible. Ask them to make an agreement with you that they will not hurt themselves before they get help, or that they will contact you if they feel they are in crisis, or feeling worse.

Over 90% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosable and treatable mental illness at the time of death. Experts agree that clinical depression is one of the biggest risk factors for suicidal thoughts. Depression can be treated with medicine, counselling, or a combination of the two. Approximately 80% of the people who seek help for their depression improve with treatment. Therapies such as cognitive behavioural and interpersonal (talk) therapy can help with depression. There are many medications now available, or a combination of both medication and therapy can prove to be very effective in treating depression. Remember that if one medication doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean they all won’t work. Often times a person has to go through a period of trial and error to find the treatment that works best for them.

YOU CANNOT BRING DARKNESS INTO LIGHT….. LIGHT OVERCOMES DARKNESS… BE THE LIGHT & MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND INCREASE AWARENESS OF SUICIDE PREVENTION…. Ross B