You Can Help
If you think a friend or family member may be thinking of suicide, you can help. It is important to take action; you can make the difference between life and death. Your willingness to talk about suicide with a friend or family member can be the critical first step in prevention.
Here are some things to think about as you prepare to help; always take suicidal tendencies seriously and respond right away.
- Let your family member or friend know they can feel better, that suicidal thoughts are temporary and that there are people who can help them.
- Because many people who are depressed cannot recognize their symptoms, we have to be their eyes and ears.
- Early intervention is the key to successful treatment for kids who suffer from depressive illnesses.
- Treatment should include a team-approach including elders, family members, spiritual leaders, community members, a psychotherapist, a child/adolescent psychiatrist, caregivers, school personnel, friends, babysitters, neighbors and other significant people in the person’s life.
- Talk to an elder, community leader, spiritual leader, teacher, physician or other trusted individual that can help you get more information.
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