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 If you are thinking about suicide,
please call us anytime of any day or night, before you put any thoughts into
action. Pick up your telephone and dial
(765) 742-0244
or toll
free for White County (877) 491-1632
or call 1-800-SUICIDE to reach help
nearest you.
If you are visiting this site, there is a
part of you who is still trying to find a way to live. Please call one
of our caring volunteers now. Someone is there 24 hours a day to
listen to you. We know you are in pain. Please call.
If you are not ready to talk yet, please
visit one of the links below for more information.
Once every minute of every day, someone in the United States attempts
suicide. According to official statistics, nearly 30,000 people take their
own lives each year. Suicide victims come from all walks of life, from all
kinds of economic and educational backgrounds. Suicide is a tragedy for the
victim as well as the family and friends left behind. If you suspect one of
your loved ones or friends is contemplating suicide, you can help best by
following these guidelines offered by the American Association of
Suicidology and the Lafayette Crisis Center.
 | TAKE THREATS SERIOUSLY
If someone you know threatens suicide, listen. Four out of five people who
commit suicide have tried it or threatened it previously. The old myth,
"those who talk about it won't do it", is dangerously false. More than
likely, by threatening suicide, the person is calling for help - trying to
let you know how bad things are. |
| WATCH FOR CLUES
Most people considering suicide give clues of their intent. Look for
marked changes in personality, behavior, and appearance. Watch for signs
of depression such as insomnia, loss of appetite, or continual exhaustion.
Be alert when a person turns to destructive behavior patterns such as drug
and alcohol abuse, especially when this behavior is unusual. A person
feeling suicidal may start preparing for death. Making out a will, giving
away beloved pets or valuable possessions, saving pills or buying a gun
could indicate that a person is contemplating suicide. |
| ANSWER CRIES FOR HELP
Once you are alerted to these clues that may constitute a "cry for help"
from a loved one or friend, you can help in several ways. The most
important of these is not to ignore the issues. It is better to offer help
early than to regret not doing so later. The first step is to offer
support, understanding, and compassion, no matter what the problems may
be. The suicidal person is truly hurting. |
| CONFRONT THE PROBLEM
If you suspect that a person is suicidal, begin by asking questions such
as, "Are you feeling depressed?", "Have you been thinking of hurting
yourself?", leading up to the question, "Are you thinking of killing
yourself?" Be direct. Don't be afraid to discuss suicide with the person.
Getting him or her to talk about it is a positive step. Be a good listener
and a good friend... don't make moral judgments, act shocked, or make
light of the situation. Offering advice such as, "Be grateful for what you
have...you're so much better off than most," may only deepen the sense of
guilt the person probably already feels. Discussing suicide may help lead
the person away from actually doing it by giving him or her the feeling
that someone cares. |
| TELL THEM THAT YOU CARE
Persons who attempt suicide most often feel alone, worthless, helpless,
hopeless, and unloved. You can help by letting them know that they are not
alone, that you are always there for them to talk to. Tell loved ones how
much you care about them and offer your support and compassion. By
assuring the person that some help is available, you are literally
throwing them a lifeline. Remember, although a person may think he wants
to die, he has an innate will to live, and is more likely hoping to be
rescued. They may be more negative about life than positive about death.
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| GET PROFESSIONAL HELP
The most useful thing you can do is to encourage the person who is
considering suicide to get professional help. There are mental health
clinics, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, family doctors, and
members of the clergy who can help. And in our community, there are groups
of people dedicated specifically to preventing suicide. Your ability to
get professional guidance for the suicidal person may save his or her
life. |
| OFFER ALTERNATIVES
Don't leave the initiative up to a suicidal person. Instead provide him or
her with a list of agencies in your area where he or she can go for help.
These centers provide professional counseling to individuals and offer
alternative ways to solve problems. |
| ONE LOCAL ALTERNATIVE
In Tippecanoe County, one alternative to give a person who is suicidal is
the phone number for the Lafayette Crisis Center. You can call the Crisis
Center yourself for more information. Sometimes, you may want help in
determining if what you are seeing in your friend or loved one is suicidal
behavior. Don't wait...call. The trained volunteers at the Crisis Center
are there to listen and provide crisis intervention, referrals to other
area services, and suicide prevention services. All calls are free,
confidential, and available by phone or in person 24 hours a day.
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Call the Crisis Center at (765) 742-0244 or
Toll Free
(877) 419-1632
or the Teen Line at (765) 423-1872.
People can also walk in to the Crisis Center
and see someone in person at
1244 N. 15th St. in Lafayette.
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If you have lost a loved one through suicide, there is a free support
group for you sponsored by the Lafayette Crisis Center. The meetings are
held from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at St.
Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, 1508 Tippecanoe Street, Lafayette,
IN (West Lounge). The group is a place
to grieve and heal with people who are sensitive to your pain and hurt.
No need to make
reservations… just show up.
The Crisis Center has
sponsored this group since 1990.
Special thanks to our
friends at the hospital for their continued support.
The group chooses themes at the SOS meetings.
Call (765) 742-0244 for more information or email:
jane@lafayettecrisiscenter.org
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