USE THE 5 STEPS

3) BE AWARE OF SUICIDAL FEELINGS

People having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and thoughts people experience in crisis:

• Can’t stop the pain.

• Can’t think clearly.

• Can’t make decisions.

• Can’t see any way out.

• Can’t sleep, eat or work.

• Can’t get out of depression.

• Can’t make the sadness go away.

• Can’t see a future without pain.

• Can’t see themselves as worthwhile.

• Can’t get someone’s attention.

• Can’t seem to get control.

4) PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING

Hearing someone talk is different from actively listening to what a person is saying. Active listening requires concentration and understanding. Practices these skills:

Acknowledge the Speaker - This is as simple as a head nod or “Uh huh.” You’re letting them know you are listening to what they have to say and reminding yourself to pay attention.

You might be the one to help someone by following five Simple Steps:

1. ASK. “Are you thinking about suicide?” , “How can I help?”, and “How Do You Hurt?” communicate you’re open to speaking about suicide in a nonjudgmental and supportive way.

2. BE THERE. This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk.

3. HELP KEEP THEM SAFE. Put time and distance between the person and their chosen method, especially methods that have shown higher lethality (like firearms and medications).

Respond Verbally - Asking questions or making statements helps clarify what the speaker is saying.

Summarize What You Hear - Reflecting on what the listener is saying is also a positive technique. Use phrases like; “what I’m hearing is…”or, “sounds like you’re saying…”

Look the Part - Keep eye contact, maintaining good posture, and stay focused. When you actively listen to someone, you’re letting them know you care about what they are saying and can indicate you’re concerned for their health and safety.

5) GET RESOURCES https://988lifeline.org/, nami.org and https://afsp.org/suicide-preventionresources can all help. And, if you’ve lost a loved one to suicide a great resource is the book, I Will Grieve For The Suicide by Pastor Peter Preus. He understands both the gravity of grief and the deep feelings of disgrace attached to the death of his first wife Jean. For a free copy reach out to LCMS Life Ministry at: lifeministry@ lcms.org.

4. HELP THEM CONNECT. Develop a safety plan. This can include ways for them identify if they start to experience significant, severe thoughts of suicide along with what to do in those crisis moments. This includes a list of individuals to contact when a crisis occurs.

5. FOLLOW UP. After your initial contact, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call.

For more information go to: https://www. bethe1to.com/. Once there you will find not only resources but free advocacy materials like social media posts you can share to help spread the word about Suicide Prevention Month.