Pharmacy Suicide Prevention

Useful terminology vs avoid this terminology

Died by suicide not committed suicide

Attempted suicide not Failed attempt

Suicide not Successful suicide

Working with patient having thoughts of suicide not Dealing with suicidal patient

Talked about suicide not threatened suicide

Risk factors for Suicide

Death of a loved one, notably to suicide

Traumatic experience

Loss of a job

Public humiliation

Major break-up

Previous Suicide Attempt

Protective factors for suicide?

Access to effective treatment

Support through ongoing medical and mental health care relationships

Strong connections to family and community

Restricted access to highly lethal means

Skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent handling of disputes

Verbal warning signs for suicide?

Talking about suicide or hopelessness

Asking questions about overdosing

Emotional warning signs for suicide?

Feels like has no reason for living; no sense of purpose

Anxiety, agitation or uncontrolled rage/anger

Feeling trapped – like there is no way out

Hopelessness/Helplessness

Dramatic mood changes

Behavioral warning signs for suicide?

Increased substance use

Actively looking for means to suicide

Withdrawal from friends, family and society

Unable to sleep or sleeping all the time

Saying goodbye, putting affairs in order

Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities

Drawing or writing about suicide

How do you help by asking?

Let them know that you are concerned about them

Ask directly and clearly about suicide

Use the words “suicide” or killing yourself” in the question

Ask in a caring and non-judgmental manner

Let them know by your tone of voice that it is okay to tell you yes

What is asking?

Evidenced based

Does not put the idea in someone’s head

Allows for a discussion and for help, people are often are relived to be asked

How do you listen and support?

Remain calm

Validate how they are feeling

Prompt them to tell you more about their situation

Ask open-ended questions

Be genuine and show your concern

Instill hope that help is available and let them know you can connect them to someone that can help

How should you connect ot resources?

Research the local resources in your area before you need to use them

Keep the national resources nearby so that you can easily access them

988

How do you help if it is a immediate concern?

If there is a mobile crisis in the area, is a voluntary resource the person has to agree to talk to them

Call 911 if the person is immediate danger