How to Coach Yourself and Others Empowering Coaching And Crisis Interventions | Page 151

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view! People who feel suicidal should not try to cope alone. They should seek help NOW. For people who are lonely, despairing and considering suicide, the most important step is to talk to someone they can talk to in complete confidence about their deepest fears and darkest secrets.  Talk to family or friends. Just talking to a family member or a friend or a colleague can bring huge relief.  Call a hotline, search a support group on the internet, call a befriender. Some people cannot talk to family or friends. Some find it easier to talk to a stranger. There are befriending centers all over the world, with volunteers who have been trained to listen. If calling is too difficult, the person can send an email.  Talk to a doctor. If someone is going through a longer period of feeling low or suicidal, he or she may be suffering from clinical depression. This is a medical condition caused by a chemical imbalance, and can usually be treated by a doctor through the prescription of drugs and/or a referral to therapy. Time is an important factor in ‘moving on', but what happens in that time also matters. When someone is feeling suicidal, they should talk about their feelings immediately. What other things might a crisis service provider need to keep in mind? Suicide is rarely a spur of the moment decision. In the days and hours before people kill themselves, there are usually clues and warning signs. The strongest and most disturbing signs are verbal - "I can't go on," "Nothing matters any more" or even "I'm thinking of ending it all." Such remarks should always be taken seriously. Other common warning signs include: Behaviors  Crying  Fighting  Breaking the law  Impulsiveness  Self-mutilation  Writing about death and suicide  Previous suicidal behavior  Extremes of behavior  Changes in behaviour  Becoming depressed or withdrawn  Behaving recklessly  Getting affairs in order and giving away valued possessions  Showing a marked change in behavior, attitudes or appearance  Abusing drugs or alcohol A person's history may actually make him or her more susceptible to completing a suicide. Predisposing Factors  Chaotic or disjointed life style  Mental illness, especially depression  Adoption  Isolation  Physical health/weight concerns For [email protected] Property of Bookemon, do NOT distribute 151