Church Partnership Newsletter September 2014 | Page 4

Understanding and Helping the Suicidal Individual
National Suicide Prevention Week is the second week in September. In the United States, suicide is the 10 th
leading cause of death, accounting for over 39,000 deaths in the latest national statistics (2011). That is an
average of one suicide death every 13 minutes. In Franklin County, in 2013, there were 156 deaths that were
determined suicides by the Coroner. Each of these deaths involves a unique individual with their own story, a
story that has a lasting impact on the surviving family and friends, and on our community as a whole.
Most suicidal individuals are ambivalent—wavering between living and dying—up until the very end. They
want a way to end their pain and with their constricted thinking, they believe suicide is the only option. Those
considering suicide also give warning signs that they are suicidal, but friends and family may not recognize or
know how to respond to such signs.
So how can we know if someone might be suicidal, and how can we help them before it is too late?

Warning Signs
Most people who kill themselves show the following warning signs in the weeks or days before they die. The
following mnemonic is widely used—IS PATH WARM
Ideation: Talking or writing about wanting to kill self, planning and obtaining the means to do so.
Substance Abuse: Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use.
Purposelessness: No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life.
Anxiety: Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time.
Trapped: Feeling trapped - like there’s no way out.
Hopelessness and helplessness—they think it’s never going to get better
and they feel like they don’t know how to help their situation.
Withdrawal: Withdrawal from friends, family and society.
Anger: Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge.
Recklessness: Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking.
Mood Changes: Dramatic mood changes.

How to Help
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Be aware. Learn the warning signs.
Don’t wait. Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
Ask directly if he/she is thinking about suicide. Listen carefully without being judgmental.
Recognize and reflect the person’s feelings—remember, pain is subjective.
Don’t give advice like “You should…” Make suggestions and encourage them to decide what would
help.
 Let them know you are concerned and that you don’t want to lose them.
 Work with them to keep them safe—if at all possible remove the means—especially firearms.
 Helping someone who is suicidal can be a frightening experience—don’t try to do it alone. You can call
a Crisis Hotline any time, day or night to talk to someone who can help. Other resources include
mental health agencies and providers, private counselors / therapists / family physicians / faith
community staff members.
Franklin County Suicide Prevention Hotline [phone]
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (transfers call to nearest local network center, also has special lines for
veterans and for Spanish-speaking callers) 1-800-273-8255
A special thank you goes to Mary Brennan-Hoffman of North Central Mental Health Suicide Prevention Services for writing this article.
Resources: American Association of Suicidology, Franklin County Coroner’s Office