What steps should you take in talking a SM out of a suicide over the phone?

2016-03-02T23:52:02-05:00

* NOT NEEDING IMMEDIATE HELP* I've been through this situation twice before and got them help. Is there any professional counseled on her that can chime in on a procedure one should take.

I've been through ACE classes, but this would be if they are not in the local area

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 11:55 PM

2016-03-02T23:55:12-05:00

I will be blunt, I had to jump through A LOT of hoops to get my childhood friend saved. Bremerton Naval stations chaplain phone number online brought me to an answering machine, another suicide hotline was discontinued...

Response by SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. made Mar 3 at 2016 12:00 AM

2016-03-03T00:00:36-05:00

If they are in the area, keep them talking and meet them in person. If you can't meet them try to have someone else. Most suicides happen when an individual is alone and doesn't have to think about the impact their actions have on others. Having someone there with them can prevent this and at least buy some time to get professional help.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 3:01 AM

2016-03-03T03:01:21-05:00

SUICIDAL THOUGHTS ARE AN EMERGENCY OFTEN REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION

UNLESS YOU ARE PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED DO NOT TRY TO MANAGE WITHOUT ENGAGING PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL, PSYCHIATRIC, AND/OR SECURITY SERVICES

Gradually establish rapport, gradually identify person, gradually identify location, gradually assess the cause and seriousness of the threat, identify with sentiments about the cause . . . explore alternatives . . . quietly brief the first responders re person, location, and context . . . keep them talking while first responders proceed to location. Here are helpful resources . . .

o Veterans Crisis Line: [login to see]
o Military Sexual Trauma Crisis Line: [login to see]
o National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (available 24/7): 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Google "talking a person out of suicide"

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 9:40 AM

2016-03-03T09:40:26-05:00

The problem with the training we have had is that we've all had it. When a suicidal service member hears the familiar phrases, they recognize it and it makes it sound canned and insincere.
To me, what has allowed me to be successful when faced with this is being able to establish not only rapport, but that I really genuinely care. Many suicidal people get there because they think no one does. Once, that meant driving halfway across Wisconsin in the middle of the work day. Another time, it was leaving in the middle of the night to find the Soldier wandering around downtown Minneapolis. Caring is a state of being, it is an action.
There are few things more discouraging than getting the impression that you are inconveniencing someone that is saying they want to help. Don't ever let them think that is the case.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Mar 3 at 2016 10:45 AM

2016-03-03T10:45:50-05:00

It hard, try to calm them down, and see if they willing to meet you and discuss it, or try to change subject to get the sm out of the suicide mind.

i'll try to calm them down first and see if stall time(if i know the sm), and have someone call police.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 11:36 AM

2016-03-03T11:36:52-05:00

As a Behavioral Health Technician I am not licensed, but have dealt with this situation numerous times while on pager duty.

Get as much information you can about the whereabouts of the SM, contact emergency services/ the OOD/ or their CoC (honestly last line as privacy and possible conflicts might ignite the situation). Provide support without judgment, talk them into grabbing a friend or mentor and involving them in the conversation, or offer to meet them at the closest Emergency Room because no one should go through that alone. A few people have stated below a very true statement, sometimes people are afraid of calling Emergency Services/Police or believe it is too rash or might scare the SM. These people are trained to respond to this type of situation or "wellness checks" and it is definitely better than the alternative.
And one last thing- Don't use the following phrases if you can avoid them...
-calm down (counter-productive, makes them angry most of the time)
-think about all you have to live for (they already thought about their life and came to this decision so far, so that more than likely won't help)
-you won't do it (or any other challenge that had intent to dissuade them but might come off in such a way)

I hope this helps, not a lot of people are trained to deal with a non face-to-face encounter like this.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 3 at 2016 12:02 PM

2016-03-03T12:02:09-05:00

Sounds like you have gotten some good advice on your question and hopefully never have to respond to such a crisis situation. It is something I have never ever thought about. Your question is a good wake-up call.