Suicide Prevention

Be Aware---Be There!

One of the most rewarding and touching things about organizing if effecting so many lives. Sometimes, in rare instances, we run into members that tend to be 'drama queens' or people that stir pot. It can be disturbing, and it's very easy to simply remove them from the group. However, be aware that sometimes, these members may not really be 'drama queens' but worse-- they may be in need of severe help. Whether it be the isolation from being a stay at home mom, or being a military family, or even, just socially challenged, it can bring on a feeling of desperation and crying out for help in a unsettling way.

Remember, as organizer, YOU ARE NEVER RESPONSIBLE for the feelings, or actions of another individual. But you can be aware---and BE THERE!.



Any individual may be at risk for suicide, but high risk individuals generally share certain characteristics:

relationship problems
legal problems/under investigation
work-related issues
Financial problems
Feelings of hopeless/helplessness
depressed or anxious
Substance abuse
Withdrawal or isolation
Extreme pain or anger

A member at risk may have one or several of these characteristics. If your member is experiencing multiple life stresses, ensure he/she has adequate coping strategies and support. Make sure you know the warning signs of a suicidal individual*:

Warning Signs of Suicide
Ideation (thinking about suicide)
Substance use or abuse (increased or change in substance)
Puposelessness (no sense of purpose or belonging)
Anger
Trapped (feeling like there is no way out)
Hopelessness (there is nothing to live for, no hope or optimism)
Withdrawal (from family, friends, work, school, activities, hobbies)
Anxiety (restlessness, irritability)
Recklessness (high risk-taking behavior)
Mood disturbance (dramatic change in mood)

Additional Warning Signs of Suicide
Talking about suicide.
Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness.
Preoccupation with death.
Suddenly happier, calmer.
Loss of interest in things one cares about.
Visiting or calling people one cares about.
Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.
Giving things away, such as prized possessions.


A suicidal person urgently needs to see a doctor or mental health professional. Please take appropiate steps to finding out if someone you know is suicidial. Remember if they admit about having suicidal thoughts, and have a plan, DO NOT leave them alone. Bring them to an emergency room. Do not judge them or try to convince them that they have something to live for, it can make them feel even more overwhelmed.



"A suicidal person is a scary, but very true thing. A friend of mine died of suicide, after much of his life turned gray. I had suspected it, but never took any precautions. He left behind a beautiful baby boy that will never know him.

Not too long ago, an organizer of a mom's group I know had a member who didn't behave properly at events, and eventually got removed. She became nuerotic, Calling the organizer threatening to kill herself, and saying "I should just die". This time I was not so careless. Even though the organizer did not like this person, I urged her to get her to contact the authorities. She contacted the former member's husband, and he took her the emergency room to get the care she need. I think my friends death was a blessing in disguise. I hope that this article will help make more organizers realize that as leaders of social groups we are more likely to come in contact with someone that needs support, and we should know the warning signs, and act when we see them. Perhaps we can prevent more suicides in the future. Rest In Peace, David."- Crystal, Of Mom And Munchkin Aventures, WA


*Credited to www.save.org