Help...
someone in suicide crisis
Practical advice and information to help someone who is feeling suicidal
It can come as a massive shock when a loved one, friend or even a stranger tells you that they are feeling suicidal. It may have left you feeling confused about what to do or how to help them - but please rest assured there are services and resources available and we will help guide you through them.
Firstly - it is of the utmost importance that you take the person seriously. It is a myth that people who talk about suicide are only looking for attention. If an individual has built up the courage to speak with you about ending their own life, they are serious about it.
Be patient, kind and reassuring and help to usher them through what is one of the lowest points of their life.
There are a number of services available that you can help refer them to including us.
At TaxiWatch Futures In Mind, we like to refer to the QPR method of suicide intervention and prevention. QPR is a US-based principle by the QPR Institute brought to Ireland for the first time by Futures In Mind. It stands for Question, Persuade and Refer. It can be applied for use with someone you know is facing a suicidal crisis or for someone you suspect might be thinking of ending their life.
Step One
Question ...
In the first step we must ask the person if they are feeling suicidal. We can do this directly or indirectly. But there also some words and phrases to avoid...
Tips for asking the suicide question:
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If in doubt, don’t wait, ask the question
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If the person is reluctant, be persistent
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Talk to the person alone in a private setting
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Allow the person to talk freely
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Give yourself plenty of time
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Have your resources handy; phone numbers, counsellor’s name and any other information that might help
The Less Direct Approach: Ask questions such as:
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“Have you been unhappy lately?”
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“Have you been very unhappy lately?”
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“Have you been so very unhappy lately that you’ve been
thinking about ending your life?” -
“Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?”
Direct Approach: Ask questions such as;
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“You know, when people are as upset as you seem to be, they sometimes wish they were dead. I’m wondering if
you’re feeling that way, too?” -
“You look pretty down, I wonder if you’re thinking about suicide?”
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“Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
How NOT to ask the suicide question:
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“You’re not thinking of killing yourself, are you?”
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“You wouldn’t do anything stupid would you?”
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“Suicide is a dumb idea. Surely you’re not thinking about suicide?”
Step Two
Persuade ...
In this step we will persuade the person to stay alive and seek the help they need.
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Listen to the problem and give them your full attention
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Remember, suicide is not the problem, only the solution to a perceived insolvable problem
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Do not rush to judgment
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Offer hope in any form, reassure them, be kind
Then Ask:
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“Will you go with me to get help?”
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“Will you let me help you get help?”
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“Will you promise me not to kill yourself
until we’ve found some help?”
Step Three
Refer ...
In this step we will persuade the person to stay alive and seek the help they need.
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Suicidal people often believe they cannot be helped, so you may have to do more.
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You can ask their permission to call a service that will be able to offer them help.
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The best referral involves taking the person directly to someone who can help.
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The next best referral is getting a commitment from them to accept help, then making the arrangements to get that help.
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The third best referral is to give referral information and try to get a good faith commitment not to attempt suicide. Any willingness to accept help at some time, even if in the future, is a good outcome.
Please remember:
If you feel the person is an immediate danger to themselves please contact the emergency services on 999 or Caredoc 1850 334 999.
If a person has contacted you via phone, or text and informed you that they intended to end their life and you can no longer reach them - it is important that you reach out to the emergency services.
It is important to remember your own well-being at this time too. Hearing news that a friend or loved one has been experiencing suicidal ideation is scary. If you need to talk to someone following the event - you can contact us individually also.
National services
Pieta
Website: https://www.pieta.ie
Email: info@pieta.ie
Phone: 1800 247 247
Text: HELP to 51444
Samaritans Ireland
Website: www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/
Email: jo@samaritans.ie
Phone: 116 123
24-hour confidential emotional support.
Text About It / 50808
Website: https://textaboutit.ie
Email: No general public email
Text: HELLO to 50808
Free 24/7 crisis text service.
HSE Your Mental Health
Website: www2.hse.ie/mental-health/
Phone: 1800 111 888
Information, support and signposting to mental-health services across Ireland.
SOSAD Ireland
Website: www.sosadireland.ie
24-hour helpline: 1800 901 909
Suicide-prevention, counselling and mental-health support.
Regional services
Futures In Mind – North Wexford / South Wicklow
Website: https://www.futuresinmind.ie
Email: info@futuresinmind.ie
Phone: 0818 303 061
Address: Pugin Court, St Michael's Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Y25 X4A6
Counselling, suicide prevention, bereavement support, child and adolescent services and community outreach.
The Thomas Hayes Trust – Kilkenny and Laois
Website: www.thomashayestrust.com
Email: thethomashayestrust@gmail.com
Phone: 056 779 6592 / 087 656 6377
Lisheens House – West Cork / Skibbereen
Website: www.lisheenshouse.ie
Email: contact@lisheenshouse.ie
Helpline: 023 888 8888
Address: Ilen Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, P81 W890
Community-based mental-health charity providing free counselling.
For Effective QPR Intervention Remember:
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Say: “I want you to live,” or “I’m on your side...we’ll get through this.”
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Get Others Involved. Ask the person who else might help. Family? Friends? Brothers? Sisters? Pastors? Priest? Imam? Rabbi? Bishop? Physician?
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Follow up with a visit, a phone call or a card, and in whatever way feels comfortable to you, let the person know you care about what happens to them. Caring may save a life.
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Taxi Watch,
Futures In Mind,
Pugin Court,
St Michaels Rd,
Gorey,
Co Wexford.
Y25 X4A6
Tel: + 353 818 303061
Email: info@taxiwatch.ie