Q&A for How to Prevent a Suicide

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How can I help a friend who is self-harming?

Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Liana Georgoulis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience, and is now the Clinical Director at Coast Psychological Services in Los Angeles, California. She received her Doctor of Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2009. Her practice provides cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies for adolescents, adults, and couples.

Liana Georgoulis, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

Expert Answer

Try to approach them from a real and honest place that communicates your concern. You want to express your love and care for that person in a way that is not judgmental. For some people, self-harming can become a very severe addiction. Offer to help them find resources or mental health assistance so that they can reach a healthier space.

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Question

How do I identify and deal with my worries leading to suicidal or self destructive behavior?

Karissa Brennan, LMHC, MA
Mental Health Counselor
Karissa Brennan is a licensed Mental Health Counselor, Distance Credentialed Counselor, and Psychotherapist based in New York City with over 9 years of experience. She received her MA in Mental Health Counseling from the City College of New York in 2011. She is a member of the International Society for Mental Health Online.

Karissa Brennan, LMHC, MA

Mental Health Counselor

Expert Answer

First, you will need to identify what is triggering your suicidal thoughts. Once you've become aware of what people, places or things trigger suicidal thoughts, then you can use mindfulness techniques to bring yourself back to the moment. Rather than getting caught up in anxious or irrational thoughts, you can come back to the moment and realistically assess what is going on. For example, you could try writing about your thoughts to make yourself more aware of them and figure out if they are realistic or not.

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Question

How do I help someone who is in another state and feels depressed and suicidal?

Paul Chernyak, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.

Paul Chernyak, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Expert Answer

Your best bet is to refer them to organizations that can help them locally. For example, if they are dealing with Bipolar or depression issues consider directing them to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: www.dbsalliance.org

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Question

What if I do not live close enough to my friend to physically be there with them and they don't have any friends who live closer?

Karissa Brennan, LMHC, MA
Mental Health Counselor
Karissa Brennan is a licensed Mental Health Counselor, Distance Credentialed Counselor, and Psychotherapist based in New York City with over 9 years of experience. She received her MA in Mental Health Counseling from the City College of New York in 2011. She is a member of the International Society for Mental Health Online.

Karissa Brennan, LMHC, MA

Mental Health Counselor

Expert Answer

You can call 911 and ask them to go to your friend's home to make sure your friend is safe and take him or her to a hospital if necessary. Also, you might ask your friend for consent to speak with his or her therapist if you are concerned for your friend's well-being. Other emergency resources include the Crisis Text Line (741-741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1 (800) 273-8255).

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Question

I am 9 years old and I am having suicidal thoughts. What should I do?

Paul Chernyak, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.

Paul Chernyak, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Expert Answer

Talk to your parents about it if possible so they can help you with whatever is making you think this way. If parents are not an option, then consider calling a crisis hotline for teens such as Youth Line: http://oregonyouthline.org

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