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Like other populations, First Responders are at risk for depression, substance use disorders, and suicide. Here are some expert tips on the warning signs along with prevention tactics.
ince 1999, suicide rates in the United States have climbed by over 30%. Researchers have discovered several factors leading to this rise and recognize that few populations are immune from its outcome. Troubling for researchers and those involved with prevention alike is the fact that there is no effective algorithm to predict a suicide. The Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Institute says that our ability to predict suicide today is not much better than chance or a coin toss. This is because most people who have the documented risk factors will never attempt suicide, and many people who die by suicide displayed few of the documented risk factors. While understanding risk factors are important in terms of prevention, it is now recognized that prevention by design can be more effective. This is achieved by
creating communities where it’s more difficult to die by suicide due to greater barriers between those at risk and their means to die. Moreover, protective factors can serve as a wall of resistance between risk and outcome. Effective protective factors include strong support networks, access to mental health resources, coping skills, sleep, and practice of mindfulness. Connectedness is one of the greatest protectors against suicide. Meaningful connection is an innate human need for all people, and there is no substitution. A method any layperson can learn to help prevent suicide is asking directly about suicide. If you are worried about a friend, coworker, or family member, you should ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. Don’t worry, the question is not offensive to somebody considering suicide, and evidence has found that it will
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not implant the idea in a vulnerable mind. Those who have considered suicide reported relief when directly asked in an empathic and sincere fashion. By asking them directly if they are thinking about suicide, you give them permission to open up, share their struggles, and take the first step to heal — finding alternatives to suicide. You become their ally in finding solutions for their pain. Timing is also important because suicide intensity ebbs and flows, and, when suicide intensity peaks, a person is most at risk. Fortunately, we know this intensity is often short-lived. Any barriers that are present between a suicidal person and their means have a preventive value, and the conversation should lead to enhanced barriers. In a recent lecture, Sally Spencer-Thomas Ph.D. provided guidance on how to ask directly
about suicide. Here is some of the information that she provided. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the following, please reach out to me or go to workplacesuicideprevention.com. WORKPLACE SUICIDE PREVENTION Before engaging in a conversation about suicide, you should understand that there are no magic words that can take someone’s pain away. The most valuable thing you can do for them is to show up and truly listen to what they have to say. Ensure you truly show up by employing active listening skills. This means to tune into your body language: get on their level, face them, and lean in! Make eye contact, mirror their responses, and focus on what they are saying. Forget about problem-solving or crafting the perfect response. Your goal here is to help them feel WWW.CAROLINAFIREJOURNAL.COM
