Suicidal
Most people who have committed suicide have done so when they have been alone. The risk of suicide is greatly increased if the person has been drinking and continues to do so, is left alone and has ready access to the means (gun, tablets). In this state, the person may act impulsively.
- Assess if person is at risk of suicide.
- If situation is life threatening or dangerous, call 000 for emergency services or call your local Mental Health Crisis Team or take the person to a Hospital Emergency Department.
- If help has been called, stay with person until help arrives.
- If emergency services are not needed, encourage / assist person to get appropriate professional help.
- Encourage person to talk - listen without judgement. Be polite and respectful.
- If the person is consuming alcohol or drugs, try to help him/her from consuming any more.
- Try to ensure person does not have ready access to some means to take their life.
- Give reassurance about the short term nature of feeling suicidal.
For a more in-depth course on suicide prevention skills it is recommended
to attend an ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) course.
For more information go to:
www.livingworks.org.au
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