Suicide intervention starts with a big question -- and yes, you can ask it

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Friday is "World Suicide Prevention Day" -- a time to raise awareness, promote resources, and talk about a difficult subject.

But experts will assure you, having that talk can save a life.

In fact, professionals say not talking about it is the worst thing you can do.

Bill Holt, executive director of the Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board, says suicide is 100 percent preventable.

And yet, the signs are often missed.

Holt says there are some red flags to watch for:

-Someone may be considering suicide if they talk about suicide, or they say goodbye,

-They might give away personal possessions, or engage in high-risk behavior, like drinking or gambling.

-They may also withdraw from everyday life.

“The message that I really want to make sure people to hear is there's help available wherever they are in the viewing area, there's options available,” Holt said.

Family Recovery Center is one place to find mental health services in Jefferson County.

It also offers 'QPR training' -- Question, Persuade, Refer -- and it's kind of like CPR for mental health.

“Usually suicides are planned, so if we can intervene and stop that plan, then I like to think that we're making the community a better place,” said Doug Murray, a prevention specialist with Family Recovery Center.

He says intervention starts with the question, and you can ask the biggie. In fact, you should. Are you thinking about suicide?

Other ways to start the conversation may be:

-Are you feeling OK?

-Is everything okay at home?

-Have you felt off lately?

-Are you feeling down?

-And again -- are you thinking about suicide?

“When somebody finally asks them and they are, they have a sense of relief, the weight of the world is off their shoulders,” Murray said.

Counselors and support groups will take it from there, and the weight of the world will be off your shoulders, too, knowing that person is in good hands.

If suicide is imminent, make sure you're safe, and again, ask the questions to show your concern and keep the person talking. If possible, have someone else call 911.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.

Anyone can call with questions or concerns at any time.

And if you'd like to take the QPR training to learn how to question, persuade, and refer, contact the Family Recovery Center at 330-424-1468 or 740-283-4946.