SUICIDE PREVENTION:
There’s Hope and Help
Identifying Signs, Symptoms and Resources Available
Recognizing warning signs and risk factors of suicide can help save lives.
Equipped with this information, you can intervene
to get help for someone who is suicidal.
20 WARNING SIGNS…
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Hopelessness, low self-esteem
Withdrawal/Isolation
Feeling of be ing a burden to others
Intense anxiety, panic attacks
Insomnia, sleeping problems
Extreme irritability, rage
Losing or gaining weight
Trouble concentrating
Crying frequently, loss of joy
Increase use in alcohol/drugs
Poor performance in school/ work
Careless, risky behavior
Depressed , bored, lonely
No interest in personal appearance
Desperate to “escape” a situation
Talking about suicide
Planning ways to commit suicide
Saying goodbye to family/friends
Giving away possessions
Creating a will
RISK FACTORS…
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Anxiety disorder
SITUATIONS THAT MAY CAUSE A PERSON TO CONSIDER SUICIDE…
 Recent suicide or death of a loved one or someone close to the person
 Being a victim of physical/sexual abuse or rape
 Troubled family life
 Social isolation, lack of close friends
 Recent loss of job, friendships
 Failing or dropping out of school, losing a job, divorce
 Not making a team, not getting a promotion
 Unwanted pregnancy, illness, accident or inability to care for oneself
 Not living up to personal standards or someone else’s expectations
If someone you know shows any signs, ACT NOW!
ASSERT:
 Express concern and compassion
 Specifically state observed behaviors that make you
think the person is considering suicide
 Avoid pleading and preaching with statements such

as, “You have so much to live for,” or “Your suicide
will hurt your family.”
ASK:
 What has made you feel this way?
 Have you thought about how you would do it?
 Have you taken steps towards making it happen?
 Have you seen a clinician or professional?
Depression , loneliness
Alcohol/Substance abuse
Borderline or a ntisocial behavior
Conduct disorder (in youth)
Impulsivity, aggression
Previous suicide attempt
Family history of suicide
Serious medical condition /pain
ACT:
 Encourage the person to seek professional help
 Schedule an appointment and go with the person
 If you determine the person needs immediate help
go directly to the emergency room AND/OR…
 Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255
FACTS*
 50-75% of all people who attempt
s u i c i d e t e l l s om e o n e a b o u t t h e
intention.
 According to the latest available
data released by the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention in
2011, suicide was the 10th leading
cause of death in the U.S.
 Military veterans account for 20% of
suicide deaths annually in the U.S.
 A 2011 U.S. Bureau of Labor
S t a t i s t i c s s tu d y f o u n d s u i c i d e w a s
the cause of 242 workplace
fatalities.
 Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of
death in teens after accidents and
homicides – according to a federal
survey; Broward County has the
h i g h e s t n u m b e r o f t e e n s u ic i d e s i n
the state.
*American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
*Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention
FAQS…
1) What should I do if someone tells me they are thinking about suicide?
YOU SHOULD:
 Show concern and compassion by listening with empathy
 Explain there is treatment even when it seems there is no answer
 Tell the person you will support him/her to find help
 Contact EAP for help: 954-357-5600 or [email protected]
Note: Never attempt to
diagnose a behavioral
issue. Contact EAP to
get help for a referral to
agencies specializing in
crisis intervention and
suicide prevention.
IF THE PERSON HAS A SUICIDE PLAN, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY:
 Remove all objects that can be used to hurt the person
 Take the person to a mental health professional or hospital emergency room
 Call 911 AND/OR the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
2) What should I do if someone confides in me that they are thinking of suicide and
makes me promise not to tell?
YOU SHOULD:
 Understand that a person’s life is more important than his/her privacy
 TELL someone you trust and ask for assistance in getting help
 Contact EAP for help: 954-357-5600 or [email protected]
3) What should I do if I encourage a suicidal person to get help but they refuse?
YOU SHOULD:
 Continue to tell the person you are concerned
 Listen with empathy
 Contact EAP for help: 954-357-5600 or [email protected]
 Offer help in finding a mental health professional AND/OR hospital emergency room
 Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 with the person
4) What should I do if I experience warning signs and feel depressed or suicidal?
The Broward County EAP is
available to all Broward County
Government employees and
their families. Licensed
professionals can assist with
most personal problems
affecting the quality of life at
home or on the job at no charge.
Participation in the program is
voluntary and completely
confidential.
YOU SHOULD:
 Talk to someone you trust about your feelings
 Avoid isolation and withdrawal
 Make an appointment with your family doctor or ask a friend to help you make it
 Contact EAP for help: 954-357-5600 or [email protected]
 Use the “AVAILABLE RESOURCES” listed below for support and help
 Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
For an emergency situation requiring immediate action
Call 911 AND/OR the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at:
1-800-273-8255
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Call for a free & confidential
appointment at:
954-357-5600
 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
OR email at:
 Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention: www.fisponline.org
Phone: 954-384-0344 (Self evaluation is available online)
[email protected]
Additional information about our
services is available at:
www.broward.org/HumanResources/EAP
 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org
 Broward County’s Help Line: 211
Serves people in crisis by providing 24-hour telephone counseling,
emotional support, suicide prevention and intervention, and links to
community resources