Op-Ed: How to Recognize, Help Someone At Risk Of Suicide

In light of recent high-profile suicides, and the alarming rate of suicides in the country, Rockland County's Behavioral Health Response Team would like to remind everyone of the warning signs for suicide as well as how to get help for someone in crisis.

The professionals at Behavioral Health Response Team are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk to anyone about stress, emotional trauma, suicide, PTSD symptoms and more. A BHRT team can also go to a home, office, school or any other setting to assist in a crisis situation if necessary. All services are free and provided through a grant from the NYS Office of Mental Health through Rockland County and operated by Rockland Paramedic Services. All services and referrals to mental health providers and agencies, are confidential and they can also provide transportation to the most appropriate facility if needed. They can be reached 24/7 at 845-517-0400 for telephone support or to request a team visit your location for immediate intervention.

Last year, the CDC released a separate report that found that suicides for the U.S. population as a whole increased 24 percent over a 15-year period.

Suicidal thoughts, comments, and behavior should always be taken seriously. It is important to recognize warning signs and know what the next steps should be if you feel an individual is in danger of hurting him or herself.

Warning Signs

Individuals can exhibit different warning signs, however the following are commonly seen in those who are considering suicide. Recognizing the warning signs, often a cry for help, is the best way to prevent suicide.

• Making jokes about committing suicide and/or talking about killing oneself.
• Making comments that portray hopelessness or defeat, such as “The world would be better off without me” or “I’m out of options.”
• Making positive references to dying, such as “If I were to die, I’d be more popular.”
• Giving away belongings that hold special meaning.
• Isolation from other people, such as family and friends.
• Behavior that is inconsistent with one’s normal behavior. For instance, a happy, upbeat, outgoing individual is all of a sudden sad and withdrawn.
• Preoccupation with death and dying, such as writing about it or talking about it.
• Behavior that is self-destructive, such as reckless driving or drug use.

Risk Factors

Certain factors or issues may increase the likelihood of thoughts of suicide. Again, it’s important to recognize these risk factors, which is a huge key to prevention.

• Mental health issue, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
• A prior suicide attempt.
• Family life that is abusive or unstable.
• History of being bullied.
• History of being sexually abused.

Seek Professional Help

The type of professional help needed will depend on the circumstances. Whether it be counseling, in-patient treatment, or a consultation with a doctor for medication, help should be sought to prevent suicide. The professionals at Rockland’s Behavioral Response Team are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk to anyone about anything that might be causing stress or emotional trauma. They can also send a team to a home, office, school or other location if necessary and provide transportation to the nearest appropriate facility. All services are free and confidential. Call day or night at 845-517-0400. Don’t wait, get help. www.rocklandhelp.org