SUICIDE PREVENTION

A Better Way provides a 24/7 suicide prevention support.

In partnership with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Division of Mental Health and Addiction and accredited by The International Council for Helplines.

Staff are trained and certified in safeTALK and/or ASIST – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

In cooperation with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, A Better Way provides regional hotline support for persons feeling suicidal or in any type of crisis in Indiana.

988 Suicide & Crisis Chat/Text

A Better Way is a national back-up for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Chat & Text Line.

LEARN LIFE-SAVING SKILLS

Available Training Resources

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training – Provided by QPR Institute

safeTalk & ASIST Training – Provided by LivingWorks

Yellow Ribbon Training – Provided by the Light for Life Foundation

Mental Health First Aid – Provided by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Ways you can help someone who is thinking about suicide:

• Listen actively: Be there for the person and allow them to express their feelings without judgment. Let them know you are there to listen and support them.
• Take their feelings seriously: Suicidal thoughts are a sign of deep distress. Don’t dismiss or minimize their feelings. Take them seriously and respond with empathy.
• Ask directly about suicide: Don’t be afraid to ask the person directly if they are thinking about suicide. Asking about it can show that you care and open up a conversation.
• Stay calm and non-judgmental: Respond with a calm and supportive attitude. Avoid blaming or criticizing the person for their thoughts.
• Encourage professional help: Suggest that they speak to a mental health professional, like a therapist or counselor, who can provide appropriate support and guidance.
• Offer to accompany them: If they are willing, offer to accompany them to seek professional help or call a helpline together.
• Remove access to lethal means: If possible, help them reduce access to items that could be used for self-harm or suicide.
• Stay connected: Regularly check in on the person to show that you care and are there to support them throughout their journey.
• Encourage self-care: Encourage them to engage in self-care activities and hobbies that may help alleviate stress and improve their mental well-being.
• Reach out for support: Don’t hesitate to involve other friends, family members, or professionals in the situation. Supporting someone in crisis is not a burden you have to carry alone.
• Do not leave them alone: If the person is in immediate danger or has a detailed plan for suicide, stay with them and call emergency services right away.

Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline