On October 28, at the request of the Igor Sikorsky KPI social service, Irina Radelitskaya, a psychologist, crisis consultant and Lifeline Ukraine trainer, held an event on the topic "algorithm for providing psychological assistance to a person who has expressed an intention to commit suicide".

The event was attended by about 50 people, including psychologists, teachers, Commandants of dormitories and students.

We talked about the types of suicidal behavior, what signs can be used to suspect that a person is concerned about suicidal thoughts, what is crisis counseling, and what is the algorithm for a consultation conversation. They also focused on drawing up a security plan or a so-called contract with a person who intends to commit suicide. Participants were provided with specific techniques and a plan for organizing assistance.

Suicide is the result of conscious actions of a person who expects a fatal outcome. The vast majority of suicides occur by mentally healthy individuals in a state of socio-psychological maladaptation of the individual.

Suicide is one of the most common causes of death among people under the age of 50. As a result of suicide, five times more men die than women. Each case of suicide significantly affects at least 10 people (there are data on more than 130).

It is important to be aware of several things:

Suicide can be prevented. Often this can be an impulsive act and suicidal moods can pass in a very short time. Although, this does not mean that the desire can not return soon;

When we talk about suicide, we don't increase the risk of committing it;

Suicide threats should be taken seriously;

Crisis intervention, social support, and referral help prevent suicide.

If you notice that the behavior of relatives or colleagues has changed, then you should observe the person more closely. A few signs that may alert you:

the person is in a state of depression,

a person closes in on himself and isolates himself from society,

skips school or doesn't attend work,

you see a sharp mood swings,

at the same time, a person reflects on the meaning of life, says phrases: "everyone will be better off without me", "I want to fall asleep and not wake up", "I want peace", "what is the point of living?»,

increases alcohol or drug use,

talking about death or looking for information about suicide.

What should I do in such cases? How do I ask if a person has thoughts of suicide?

Stay close, empathize

Always take statements of intent to commit suicide seriously. Even when you think it's not.

Understand the suffering of the individual. Trust the person.

Don't give me any advice! You have a different experience, education, and life situation.

Don't judge or give ratings!

Listen up! Everyone should be heard.

Don't be afraid to talk and shout about your thoughts and plans to commit suicide. A person has tunnel thinking during a crisis and cannot think about anything else. This will help reduce emotional stress;

Speak calmly, explain that you want to help, because you care;

Ask directly and frankly about the intention and plan;

Take care of your safety: remove dangerous items;

Help us find resources in a person's life. Listen to what the person says and notice what is important to them, what their values are.

Provide contacts for help – hotline, hospitals, if necessary - call an ambulance and the police.

Motivate the person to seek help from specialists.