September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time when individuals, organizations, and communities unite to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. While preventive measures are vital, it’s equally crucial to address the needs of individuals who are in immediate distress. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of intervention support in suicide prevention and discuss effective ways to provide timely help to those at risk.

Understanding Intervention Support

Intervention support plays a pivotal role in saving lives by offering immediate assistance to individuals who are in crisis or displaying signs of suicidal ideation. This support involves stepping in when someone is at their most vulnerable, connecting them to professional help, and providing the necessary emotional and psychological support to keep them safe. 

1. Recognizing the Signs

Before intervention can take place, it’s essential to recognize the signs that someone might be in danger. These signs can include talking about suicide, expressing feelings of hopelessness, isolation, sudden changes in behavior, giving away possessions, or withdrawing from loved ones. Being vigilant about these signals can help identify individuals who need immediate help.

Warning Signs to be aware of: 

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

2. Creating a Safe Space

When intervening, it’s crucial to establish a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Approach the individual with empathy, compassion, and active listening. Let them know that you genuinely care and are there to support them through their difficult time.

3. Encouraging Professional Help

Intervention support isn’t about trying to solve the problem alone; it’s about connecting the individual to the appropriate resources. Encourage them to seek help from mental health professionals, therapists, counselors, or crisis hotlines. Assure them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Resources to consider:

• Save a Warrior 
• If substances are involved— Warriors Heart

4. Staying Present

During the intervention process, it’s vital to stay present with the individual. Offer your support, lend an empathetic ear, and refrain from judgment. Your presence can be a powerful source of comfort and reassurance during their darkest moments.

5. Involving a Network of Support

No one should face a crisis alone. Reach out to the individual’s support network – friends, family, and other loved ones – if it’s appropriate and with their consent. A strong network can provide additional emotional support and help ensure the person doesn’t feel isolated.

Support Networks to Consider:

• SFA
• Former teammates
• Fellow spouses
• Steel Mags Sisterhood

6. Following Up

Intervention support doesn’t end once immediate help is provided. Follow up with the individual to see how they’re doing, and continue offering your support as they navigate their journey to recovery. Checking in on them shows that you genuinely care about their well-being. With effective follow-up support, we can reduce suicide in individuals discharged from hospitals by 20% nationally.

As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, let’s remember that intervention support is a lifeline for individuals in crisis. By recognizing the signs, creating a safe space, connecting them to professional help, staying present, involving a network of support, and following up, we can make a profound impact on saving lives. Through our collective efforts, we can extend compassion and empathy to those who need it the most, reminding them that they are not alone on their journey to healing.