Steps to take.

Suicide prevention seems like a daunting task, especially because of the unexpected nature of the act. A suicide survivor can look back and see the signs, but to prevent a suicide means that one must recognize the signs before it is too late. Each case will be different and personal. One must be sensitive when approaching an individual that may be suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts. The sensitivity of the subject may be awkward to get past but there are steps a person can take to make a difference.

• Remain calm and talk in reassuring tones.
• Realize that you may have trouble communicating, ask simple questions and repeat if necessary.
• Don’t take words or actions personally.
• Say, “I’m here. I care. I want to help.”
• Never say,  “Get over it,” “Snap out of it,” or “Stop acting crazy.”
• Don’t try and handle the crisis alone. Gather support from family, religious organizations, or suicide prevention groups.
• Don’t threaten to call 911 unless you intend to. Use 911 only when you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Depression is not something an individual can just shake off. Depression is an actual illness where medication and counseling are necessary to ease the burden of sadness. Everyone in different points of their life will experience feelings of sadness. It is normal to feel sad. There is a difference in feeling sad and the feelings caused by depression. Depression is more intense and will last two weeks or longer. Depression will begin to interfere with life such as holding back your work performance, your desire to associate with friends, even making it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. These symptoms remain a constant feeling in the life of a person suffering from depression.

            Depression is treatable and an individual should not feel discouraged or afraid of telling someone about recurring feelings of sadness. Depression does not discriminate and can affect people of all ages, races, and social classes.  The most terrifying feeling when suffering from depression is the extreme hopelessness and feeling that suicide may be the only answer. Suicide is never the answer. Suicide is a permanent decision to a fixable problem. If you notice a change in a friend or family member, do not turn your head. Ask questions and offer support.

For additional information visit www.dbsalliance.org.