To Know:

• Suicidal feelings are experiences by nearly everyone at one time or another.

• Suicide among adolescents has been on the rise in Canada and the U.S.

• Those who contemplate, attempt or complete suicide believe (mistakenly) "there is no other way out".

• Suicide is driven by the pain of living. The pain can have many faces: depression...low self esteem...loss...hopelessness...meaninglessness.

• A completed suicide is a permanent response to a temporary problem.

• The burden of grief for the family and friends of someone who has completed suicide is especially difficult.

To do (when someone is/seems suicidal):

• Take all threats/attempts seriously. Do not get into the game of deciding what is attention-getting and what is serious.

• Along with caring, bring the boldness and courage to ask the question. (example: "Have you been thinking about suicide?).

• Encourage the person to seek and get help. Show a willingness to be involved, even if necessary, to help the person to get help.

• Do not make a promise "not to tell anyone" if someone tells you they are contemplating suicide.

• Try to get the person to make a promise to you ("Promise me you won't do anything until"...)

Ken Westereng (B.A., M. Div.)