Having a mental health crisis is a serious problem. Please take a look at the resources below if you or someone you know may be struggling with their mental health.
1 (800) 273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Promise not to do anything right now
Promise yourself that you will wait 48 hours and that you wont do anything drastic during that time. You may be experiencing a lot of pain right now but you need to give yourself distance between your thoughts and actions. There is no reason to rush and act rashly. Take time and think.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
Suicidal thoughts increase when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Avoid these substances at all costs.
Make your environment safe
Remove anything that can be used to harm yourself such as firearms, razors, knives, pills, etc. If you cannot remove them, remove yourself from the situation.
Have hope
You can and you will get through this. You may be having feelings of self-hate, loneliness, hopelessness, etc. but others who have felt the same way have made it through. Seek help and give it time. Have hope that you can make it through.
Share your thoughts
The worst thing you can do for yourself in this time of need is to keep your suicidal thoughts to yourself. Find someone you trust and tell them about your feelings. This person may be a family member, a friend, a teacher, a counselor, a doctor, etc. Dont feel embarrassed about how you are feeling; these individuals will be happy that you let them know. If you dont have someone to talk to call the suicide preventions lifeline: 1 (800) 273-8255
Seek medical help
Seek medical help to get you through your suicidal thoughts. If you are having severe suicidal thoughts immediately take yourself to an emergency room or call 911. Visit your doctor and therapists for additional help.
Additional things to do:
- Talk with someone every day- Continue talking to someone every day even if you feel like pulling away. They are there to help you.
- Make a safety plan- Create a plan of steps to follow when you are in a suicidal crisis. Make sure it includes phone numbers for your doctors, family, and friends.
- Make a schedule- Create a schedule for yourself that you stick to every day. Keeping a regular routine will help you feel like you have things under control.
- Exercise- Exercising releases endorphins and relieves stress. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise per day.
- Do what you love- Make yourself do things that you enjoy. You might not feel like doing them but when you do they will bring you joy.
- Make a list of goals and dreams- Make a list of things youve always wanted to do and start doing them. Doing this will give you a sense of purpose.
Services Offered
Emergency
Call: 911
Madison Memorial Hospital Emergency Room
Here you will be evaluated by the ER physician and an evaluator from the Behavioral Health Center to determine further care: (208) 359-6592
Open 24/7
Your Local Police Department
Arco Police Department: (208) 527-8553
Ashton Police Department: (208) 624-4482
Bonneville County Sheriffs Office: (208) 483-2397
Butte County Sheriffs Office: (208) 5278553
Clark County Sheriffs Office: (208) 374-5403
Custer County Sheriffs Office: (208) 588-2676
Fremont County Sheriffs Office: (208) 624-4482
Idaho Falls Police Department: (208) 529-1200
Jefferson County Sheriffs Office: (208) 745-9210
Lemhi County Sheriffs Office: (208) 756-8980
Madison County Sheriffs Office: (208) 356-5426
Rexburg Police Department: (208) 359-3000
Rigby Police Department: (208) 745-1951
Ririe Police Department: (208) 538-5548
Salmon Police Department: (208) 756-1347
Shelley Police Department: (208) 357-3446
Stanley Police Department: (208) 774-2286
St. Anthony Police Department: (208) 624-4001
Teton County Sheriffs Office: (208) 354-2323
Ucon Police Department: (208) 523-3971
Behavioral Health Center- Idaho Falls
24 Hour Help Line: (208) 403-9675
http://eirmc.com/service/behavioral-health
Mental Health Crisis Lines
Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison & Teton Counties: (208) 528-5700
Idaho CareLine
In Idaho: 211
Outside of Idaho: (800) 926-2588
How to help those with Suicidal Thoughts
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Idahoans ages 15-34. That being said, it is not surprising that Idaho is among the states with the highest suicide rates. Most people who commit or attempt to commit suicide dont want to die; they want to stop hurting. Below are the risk factors and warning signs, as well as suicide prevention tips to help those in need.
Risk Factors
- Depression and other mental or substance abuse disorders
- Prior suicide attempts
- A family history of mental disorders, substance abuse, or suicides
- Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Access to means such as prescriptions, guns, and any other harmful device or substance
- Being exposed to others suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or through the media
- Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
- Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
- Physical illness
- Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health, substance abuse disorders, or suicidal thoughts
Warning Signs
- Talking about suicide Suicide talk such as, Id be better off dead, I wish I hadnt been born, etc.
- Seeking out ways of death The seeking out of medicines, guns, knives, and any other object that could be used in a suicide attempt.
- Obsession with death An obsession with death or violence and even writing about death.
- No hope for the future Feeling like theres no way out, feeling helpless or hopeless.
- Self-loathing Feelings of worthlessness, shame, self-hatred, or being a burden.
- Getting affairs in order Giving away prized possessions, making a will, etc.
- Saying goodbye Unusual calls to family member and friends to say goodbye, almost as if theyll never see them again.
- Withdrawing from social situations Withdrawing from family and friends, desire to be left alone.
- Self-destructive behavior Increased alcohol use, drug use, reckless driving, etc. as if to increase chances of death.
- Sudden sense of calm A sense of calm after being depressed or anxious can mean that a person has made the decision to commit suicide.
Suicide Prevention
Talk to a person about suicide:
If youre worried that someone you know is contemplating suicide, the best thing to do is talk to them about it. Talking to a suicidal person gives them the opportunity to express their feelings. It allows them to relieve their pent-up feelings and might prevent their suicide attempt.
Make sure the person feels comfortable talking to you. Listen to them instead of arguing with them. Be sympathetic and dont try to solve their problems. Make sure they feel loved and know that you care about them.
Respond quickly:
If a person tells you that they have thoughts about suicide, they need to be evaluated right away. Ask them these questions to see what level of suicide risk they are:
- Do you have a suicide plan?
- Do you have what you need to carry out the plan? (guns, pills, etc.)
- Do you know when you would do it?
- Do you plan on committing suicide?
If they answer yes to all of the questions above seek immediate help by calling 911 or taking the person to an emergency room. Remove any lethal object (guns, knives, drugs, etc.) from the vicinity. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAVE A SUICIDAL PERSON ALONE.
Levels of Suicide Risk:
- Low Some suicidal thoughts, no plan, says they wont commit suicide
- Medium Suicidal thoughts, vague plan, says they wont commit suicide
- High Suicidal thoughts, specific plan, says they wont commit suicide
- Severe Suicidal thoughts, specific plan, says they will commit suicide
Offer support:
As their friend or family make yourself available to those contemplating suicide. Dont forget to take care of yourself while helping them, as this can be an emotional time for you too.
- Get professional help- Do what you can to get a suicidal person the help they need by encouraging the person to see a mental health professional, finding treatment facilities and taking them to doctors appointments.
- Be aware of medications- If the suicidal person has been prescribed medication: Make sure they are taking it. Be aware of any negative side effects the medications may cause.
- Dont wait for them- Dont wait for the suicidal person to call you if they need help. Instead, call them, stop by the person’s home, or invite them to go somewhere with you.
- Encourage lifestyle changes- Encourage a suicidal person to eat healthy, to get plenty of sleep, and to exercise. Exercising is important as it releases endorphins and relieves stress.
- Have a plan- Help the suicidal person develop a plan to follow when they are in a suicidal crisis. Identify any triggers that lead to suicidal thoughts, such as an anniversary of a loss. Make sure they have a list of phone number for their doctor, therapist, family, and friends who will help them in a suicidal crisis.
- Remove any means of suicide- Remove any pills, guns, razors, knives, etc. If the suicidal person is likely to overdose, keep medications locked away and only give these to them as they need it.