SEPTEMBER is National Suicide Prevention Month in the United States. In my effort to help spread awareness on this health crisis that is now the 10th cause of death in America and the second among teenagers and young adults, I wrote an article on the risk factors, warning signs and how to help people who may be at risk to hurt themselves.
Many of our kababayans who read the article expressed how this crisis has affected them personally within their family circle, and how they hope people at risk may have better access to mental health services, and a stronger support system that may help them through depression, including their faith in God.
Since many people are now engaging more on social media, readers also requested for more information on how to help those at risk based on their social media posts.
Here is some information I found to help us all from the SuicidePreventionLifeline.org:
Determine if there is imminent risk
Regardless of protocols, warning signs, or risk factors, there may be posts, profile details, or comments that may indicate a need for immediate action outside of your community’s resources. Imminent risk is a term used to define a situation in which an individual is at immediate risk of harming themselves or another person.
To decide whether a person is at imminent risk of harming themselves or others, look for three distinct variables: plan (how), date/time (when) and/or place (where). If the individual identifies a specific method of suicide (the plan) and/or indicates a specific day or time in which they will carry out this method (the timeline), and/or states where he/she wishes to attempt suicide, then that individual is likely at imminent risk of suicide.
Examples of a community post from someone who may be at imminent risk:
“I GIVE UP. Save your thoughts, I’m killing myself later tonight.”
“I have no one, I’m completely done and I’m numb. I have NO purpose. I’m just wondering what is most efficient to end it, but I think I’m going to use my gun tonight because it should be painless. I’ll be home alone, so I have plenty of time to do it.”
I’m going to die by the end of tomorrow. I have a plan but I wanted to say goodbye to all of you before I do it.”
In situations where a person is perceived to be at imminent risk of harming themselves or others, it is imperative to connect that individual to emergency services or 911 for immediate assistance. Local emergency services are the fastest way to help a person who is at imminent risk of suicide. Other resources or protocols may be inappropriate during this situation and should not be applied.
It will also be important to share within your community a procedure on how community members can reach out to emergency services if they come across other members who are at imminent risk of harming themselves or another person. Within these guidelines, important information to share with 911 or other emergency services should include:
As much information as is possible about the person at risk (including name, current address or whereabouts, telephone number, or other mode of contact).
The nature of the emergency, including information about what the person posted, behavior or actions about to be taken or in the process of being taken, how the caller learned about the emergency (what website, post, chat forum was found).
You (or the caller’s) name, location, and relationship with the digital community.
Any other information that may be relevant to the situation.
What if someone is posting suicidal messages on social media?
Knowing how to get help for a friend posting suicidal messages on social media can save a life. Many social media sites have a process to report suicidal content and get help for the person posting the message. In addition, many of the social media sites use their analytic capabilities to identify and help report suicidal posts. Each offers different options on how to respond if you see concerning posts about suicide. For example: the Facebook Suicide Prevention webpage can be found at www.facebook.com/help/594991777257121/[use the search term “suicide” or “suicide prevention”].
Instagram uses automated tools in the app to provide resources, which can also be found online at https://help.instagram.com [use the search term, “suicide,” self-injury,” or “suicide prevention”]
Snapchat’s Support provides guidance at https://support.snapchat.com [use the search term, “suicide” or “suicide prevention”]
Tumblr Counseling and Prevention Resources webpage can be found at https://tumblr.zendesk.com[use the search term “counseling” or “prevention,” then click on “Counseling and prevention resources”].
Twitter’s Best Practices in Dealing With Self-Harm and Suicide at https://support.twitter.com [use the search term “suicide,” “self-harm,” or “suicide prevention”].
YouTube’s Safety Center webpage can be found at https://support.google.com/youtube [use the search term “suicide and self injury”].
If you see messages or live streaming suicidal behavior on social media, call 911 or contact the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273–TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can contact the Lifeline via TTY at (800)799–4889. All calls are confidential. This service is available to everyone. People—even strangers—have saved lives by being vigilant.
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Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
