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In her Psychology Today blog, Promoting Hope, Preventing Suicide, Elana Premack Sandler, LCSW, MPH shared a mnemonic developed by the American Association of Suicidology to help people remember these signs:
IS PATH WARM?
I Ideation
S Substance Abuse
P Purposelessness
A Anxiety
T Trapped
H Hopelessness
W Withdrawal
A Anger
R Recklessness
M Mood changes
Ideation, the first item on this list, refers to the ideas or thinking a person displays when they are considering suicide. The person may threaten to hurt or kill himself, or talk of wanting to do so. He or she may try to obtain a weapon, stockpile pills that could cause a fatal overdose, or obtain another means of suicide. If someone begins talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide in a way that is unusual for them, this is also of great concern.
Signs of suicidal ideation require immediate action, which may include taking the person to the closest hospital emergency room or contacting their therapist or psychiatrist.
Several items on this list do not necessarily indicate risk of suicide by themselves. However, if qualities such as increased anxiety or withdrawal are accompanied by expressions of hopelessness or loss or purpose, it is a good idea to frankly discuss your concerns with the person you are worried about. If they are not suicidal, you will not give them the idea by bringing this up. If they are considering hurting themselves, they will appreciate your concern and the chance to talk about it.
The person you care about is not alone, and neither are you. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SUICIDE, PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL 1-800-273-TALK.
IN ANN ARBOR, CALL 9-1-1 OR THE PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY ROOM AT 734-936-5900.
No one understands the anguish of a suicidal person like someone else who has been there. That’s the reason that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline established The Lifeline Gallery: Stories of Hope and Recovery.
The Gallery features brief recorded messages from survivors of suicide attempts who have recovered hope. With avatars based on their own features, these survivors speak of what led up to their attempts and how they have since transformed their lives.
Amanda, who has struggled for years with suicidal thoughts, talks about how she calls the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) whenever she feels suicidal: “they’re informed, and not judgmental.”
Kevin relates how, after several attempts, he came to terms with the reality of having bipolar disorder. He now manages his illness instead of denying it, and urges his listeners to “put the number in your cell phone!”
Quix tells us how he came back from the brink by reminding himself “I can make it to tomorrow, and there are always new options to try.” He came to realize that he needs to involve himself in a cause to make his life worthwhile. Like many speakers in the Gallery, he now works in suicide prevention efforts.
The Gallery also carries the messages of people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Professionals who help those at risk are featured as well. Their stories are compelling. Spread the word, because the Gallery could help save lives.
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SUICIDE, PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL 1-800-273-TALK.
In Ann Arbor, you can also call 9-1-1 or the Psychiatric Emergency Room at 734-936-5900.
