How to Prevent Suicide Grief:
A Guide for Providers
Therapists and others who work with those at risk of suicide can't always prevent a suicide. However, most can do more than they do. Here's some ideas for preventing suicide that might help save a life or two.
Use releases to enable patients or clients to authorize the sharing of information about suicide risk with family members.
Inform family members that their loved ones are at risk of becoming suicidal or are so presently.
Encourage family members to share their concerns and observations about their loved ones' psychiatric condition.
Give family members fact sheets or brochures outlining the principal warning signs of suicide.
Urge family members to remove, secure, or disable any firearms that are accessible in their loved ones' households.
Tell family members that alcohol will raise their risk of suicide significantly.
Explain the affects that psychiatric disorders and their symptoms may have on their loved ones' judgment and decision-making.
Mobilize family members involvement in their loved ones' care plans, as appropriate.
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