Suicide Prevention
Throughout life, many of us have thoughts like, “Maybe I’m just a burden on others,” or “Maybe it would be better if I wasn’t here anymore, maybe it would be better to just end it all.” Feelings arise like, “I’m at my limit,” or “Everything just feels like too much.”
These thoughts and feelings come when we feel there’s no way out, when we no longer believe that things can change for the better, and can’t see any other way to solve our problems. Being in that place feels very lonely and hopeless.
When Do These Thoughts Arise?
These feelings and thoughts can emerge following an acute crisis, a traumatic event, or due to ongoing difficulties and challenges. At such times, the act of suicide, can feel like a relief, a way to find peace and end all the suffering.
Even If There Are Other Solutions, It’s Hard to See Them
Not only to see them, but also to believe they can truly work. It’s like being trapped in a room that seems to have no exit. There is a door to the room, but from within the distress and difficulty, it’s invisible. It’s almost impossible to remember that there’s a door there, and even harder to see it or think it can be opened.
Even If Change Seems Impossible
Often, the unbearable distress is accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt, self-criticism about suicidal thoughts, and thus we become prisoners of our own thoughts and feelings. Any possibility of a solution becomes invisible.
Even if change currently seems impossible – we at ERAN are here for you for 24/7 in Hebrew and in a variety of languages on our Olim Helpline.
Are you having thoughts of suicide?
When thoughts of ending one’s life arise, it’s usually a sign that we’re in deep pain, in distress that’s hard to bear.
These are moments when it seems there’s no way out, no hope, and nothing can ever change. We feel tired, exhausted from the struggle, and perhaps also very, very alone in all of it. The feeling is that there’s no other solution, that the pain is simply too strong.
However, the fact that these thoughts arise doesn’t necessarily mean we truly want to die. It means we want something to change, we want to stop suffering, we want to finally breathe.
You can reach out to us; the call is completely anonymous. We’re here to listen, without judgment, without rushing to advise, simply to be there where you are. Sharing can be the first step towards relief and change.
we at ERAN are here for you for 24/7 in Hebrew and in a variety of languages on our Olim Helpline.
Principles for Providing Mental First Aid in Situations of Suicidal Risk
In the vast majority of cases, suicide is preventable, and suicide prevention is not solely the domain of professionals. The listening and social support of those around us are of great value and can save lives.
Here are the steps for responding and addressing concerns about suicidality:
Step 1 – Identify the signs – Low mood, lack of interest and enjoyment, sleep and eating disturbances, pessimism and emptiness, hopelessness, decreased concentration and decision-making ability, impaired functioning, low energy, avoidance of social activities, worrisome verbal expressions.
Step 2 – Listen – Listen and show understanding, avoid criticism and lecturing. Offer support – “You are not alone, I am with you.”
Step 3 – Ask – After identifying warning signs, it’s important to ask about suicidality directly and sensitively – “Have you had thoughts about suicide?” or “Have you thought about or planned to end your life?”
Step 4 – Refer for support – Refer to professional help – here you can contact ERAN.
When the risk is too high, call emergency services.
suicide risk assessment questionnaire
As part of the National Suicide Prevention Program, an anonymous online questionnaire was developed for the general public. Its purpose is to provide an initial assessment of suicide risk and to guide individuals towards receiving counseling or treatment based on the urgency and level of risk.
The questionnaire is designed for self-completion or for someone else you are concerned about. It is completely anonymous, and you do not need to provide any identifying details.
In any case, it is important to remember that completing this questionnaire is not a substitute for a professional assessment.
Articles on the Topic
There is often a debate about whether discussing death by suicide, by parents, educators, and in the media – increases the risk or, on the contrary, reduces it and even saves lives. In the past, talking about death by suicide was almost a taboo. The assumption was that the very act of talking about it […]
Suicide Prevention: A Guide to Providing Psychological First Aid Every 40 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide. For every one of those deaths, 41 people are left behind, shattered and searching for meaning in the act. In Israel, not a day goes by without at least one person dying by suicide—hundreds of people […]
Self Help Tips
Remember – we are not alone
Difficult feelings and thoughts can feel very isolating, but we don’t have to face them alone. Sharing our feelings with a close person, a friend, or ERAN’s helplines in Hebrew, or helplines for Olim, can be an important and liberating step. Sometimes, just talking about things can ease the emotional burden.
Offer support
Focus on the Present Moment
When thoughts become overwhelming, try to focus on the here and now. You can practice deep breathing, or look around and find 3 things you can see, hear, and smell.
Connecting to this moment can help to reduce the intensity of difficult feelings and the overwhelm of challenging thoughts.
If you’re concerned that someone around you is suicidal
Pay attention to the signs and don’t ignore them. If someone close to you shows signs of distress, such as withdrawal, talking about despair, or statements like “I don’t see the point in going on,” take these things seriously. It’s not always comfortable to talk and ask, but it’s better to ask and check than to ignore out of fear of making a mistake.