Suicide Prevention
by LTC Paula Saxton

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Now Finds Sufficient Evidence to Recommend Screening Adults for Depression

Everyday life presents challenges to the individual, which can positively and/or negatively impact our emotional health and sense of well-being. An accumulation of negative experiences can induce stress that may overwhelm the individual's coping skills. Suicidal ideation may occur when the individual feels that he/she is in a crisis and can perceive no avenues available to effect resolution. The lethality of the intent to harm oneself increases if the individual has devised a plan and has the means available to accomplish his/her plan. Timely support and assistance to the individual in crisis can prevent injury and save a life. Effective intervention includes:

• Talk to the individual, and verify the presence of active suicidal thoughts. He/she will usually admit to the presence of such thoughts, and will communicate the content of a plan, if one has been devised.
• Provide for the safety of the individual and the environment. Remain with the person to lend support and lessen the opportunity to inflict self-injury. Remove items that could be used to carry out a plan to inflict injury; i.e., weapons (gun/knife), medication, belt, sheet, etc.
• Engage a support network to provide assistance. Contact a close friend or Family member of the individual with whom the person has a good rapport.
• Secure professional help and access to treatment. Contact mental health professionals for assistance, i.e., Mobile Crisis Service (New Castle County (302) 577-2484). This crisis intervention service is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, to consult via phone, with home visits as indicated to evaluate the individual, render assistance, and initiate the appropriate treatment.
• If you encounter the individual in crisis and he/she has already acted to harm him/herself, call 911 immediately to obtain medical help. Stay with the individual until emergency personnel arrive.

Other Suicide Prevention Resources on HOOAH 4 HEALTH:

Depression
Suicide Prevention: Army to field new suicide prevention plan
Army Suicide Prevention Resource Manual
What Do You Know, Or Need To Know About Teen Suicide?