How to approach someone who is thinking about suicide
You've heard the advice, if you or someone you know is struggling, call 988.
There are resources out there that help people thinking about suicide, but knowing when it's time to make that call can be tricky. Approaching someone living with suicidal thoughts or behaviors could save their life.
Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, said if you see someone ells you they need help, it's important to tell someone else and get them the resources they need.
"We tell young kids constantly, don't keep a secret. If you think your friend is in danger, you tell a teacher. You tell somebody, a parent or an adult. You break a promise, it's okay, you saved a life," said Piccirilli.
Because there are so many signs that could indicate someone is thinking of suicide, any change of behavior can mean someone needs help.
According to the Ohio Suicide Foundation, one of the warning signs is expressing feelings of pain or hopelessness.
Other common warning signs include withdrawing from people and activities, extreme mood swings, behaving recklessly or taking unnecessary risks, and looking into ways to die by suicide.
"There are so many signs, and there's not one that really encapsulates everything. You can have one. You can have a couple, you can have many," said Tony Coder, executive director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.
Piccirilli said opening up about your struggles can be difficult, especially for men. If you see any signs that make you think someone could take their life, confronting that person could save their life.
"Approach them. Hey, is everything okay? How are you feeling? How are you doing? Asking that simple question. Giving that trusted someone," said Coder.
Knowing how to answer someone that's confiding in you is just as important as approaching them.
"If someone were to open up and they express that they are ashamed or even if they didn't express it, thanking them for being so vulnerable and acknowledging that it does take vulnerability to be honest and open about how you're feeling," said Katie Cretella, director of clinical services at the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board.
