 | A Bipolar Help
Contract is one way of reducing the risk of suicide.
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| Remove from the house, car etc all means of committing
suicide impulsively. This includes guns, rope, sharp knives,
large amounts of pills and many other things. Search the
house for potentially life threatening items and dispose of them.
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| Help Your family member/friend make a plan for LIFE!
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| Have them make a list of trusted friends to contact (in
order of priority) if suicidal thoughts begin to intrude.
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| Have them make a list of warning signs that indicate a
depressive state is being entered and the symptoms of suicidal
ideation are being entertained.
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| Ask what they would say to a close friend who was
contemplating suicide? Have them write the answer down then
follow their own advice.
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| Take them or suggest they talk to a mental health
professional
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| Recognize symptoms for what they are ... try to keep in
perspective that they are coming from severe depression and will
not last forever.
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| Suggest they keep a daily journal of your thoughts
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| Advise them to avoid drugs and alcohol
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| Learn to recognize the earliest signs of suicidal thinking.
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| Know when its time to take them to the hospital
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| Follow your instincts. If you feel your friend or
family member may act soon on impulse make sure someone is with
him/her at all times.
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| Many people who take their life have given clear
indications of their intention - don't make the mistake of
thinking they won't talk about it.
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| Be suspicious if the person makes a point of saying goodbye
or giving away possessions.
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| Suicidal individuals are completely consumed with pain.
Don't offer trite solutions or reasons to go on living
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| Finally - don't be afraid to express your own feelings - if
you are sad, frightened or angry say so. |
