Suicide Prevention

• If you have concerns about a person IN OUR CUSTODY that may be suicidal or in a crisis, we ask that you let a staff member know right away. Please call our facility, at any time, and ask to speak with a Shift Supervisor.

Our number is (413) 858-0195.

• If you have concerns about a person IN THE COMMUNITY that may be suicidal or or in a crisis, please call the national suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or click on the following link for more information & resources: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE:

• Generally speaking, suicidal people do not keep their plans to themselves.
• Most suicidal people communicate their intent sometime during the week preceding their attempt.
• It’s wrong to believe those who talk about suicide won’t do it.
• People who talk about suicide may try, or even complete, an act of self-destruction.
• Suicide is the most preventable kind of death,and almost any positive action may save a life.
• If people in a crisis get the help they need,they will probably never be suicidal again.
• It’s wrong to believe that confronting a person about suicide will only make them angry and increase the risk of suicide.
• Asking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety, opens up communication and lowers the risk of an impulsive act.
• Suicide prevention is everybody’s business, andanyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide.

SUICIDAL BEHAVIORAL CLUES:

• Any previous suicide attempt
• Acquiring a gun or stockpiling pills
• Co-occurring depression, moodiness, hopelessness
• Putting personal affairs in order
• Giving away prized possessions
• Sudden interest or disinterest in religion
• Drug or alcohol abuse, or relapse after a period of recovery
• Unexplained anger, aggression and irritability

SITUATIONAL CLUES:

• Being
  fired or being expelled from school
• A recent unwanted move
• Loss of any major relationship
• Death of a spouse, child, or best friend (esp.
  if by suicide)
• Diagnosis of a serious or terminal illness
• Sudden unexpected loss of freedom/fear of
  punishment
• Anticipated loss of financial security
• Loss of a cherished therapist, counselor or
  teacher
• Fear of becoming a burden to others

TIPS FOR ASKING THE SUICIDE QUESTION:

• If in doubt, don’t wait, ask the question
• If the person is reluctant, be persistent
• Talk to the person alone in a private setting
• Allow the person to talk freely
• Give yourself plenty of time
• Have your resources handy: phone numbers,
  counselor’s name and any other information that might help
• Remember:
  How you ask the question is less important than that you ask it.

SUICIDAL PEOPLE OFTEN BELIEVE THEY CANNOT BE HELPED, SO YOU MAY HAVE TO DO MORE

• The best referral involves taking the person
  directly to someone who can help.
• The next best referral is getting a commitment
  from them to accept help, then making the arrangements to get that help.
• The third best referral is to give referral
  information and try to get a good faith commitment not to complete or attempt
  suicide.
• Any willingness to accept help at some time,
  even if in the future, is a good outcome.

RESOURCES

• National Suicide Lifeline        800-273-TALK (8255)
• Samaritans                               877-870-HOPE(4673)
• Brattleboro Retreat