Our group has been researching this topic for a couple of months, interviewing with a professional in the field and volunteering at a suicide prevention event, all to become more experienced with suicide prevention and to give an accurate apprehension on suicide.

At this event our group worked with Brandon Puszkiewicz and many others from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Indiana Chapter during the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day hosted at the Indiana University Health Neurological Center. This international day is every year on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving, approximately 360 events take place around the United States every year on this day. Throughout our experience we witnessed first hand the lasting effects that survivors of suicide loss have. There were about fifty survivors in attendance all with different timelines on grief and different situations, but all with a common purpose to prevent something like this happening to another person. This experience opened our eyes to how hard it is for people to open up about there

situation both people with suicidal tendencies

and survivors of suicide loss. During this day there was a video discussion along with a panel question and answer session with three experts all with different stories to tell. These experts all seemed to share a common ideology that a specialized therapist or support group is best for both survivors and individuals with suicidal tendencies.

Amelia Noor-Oshiro

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“I have found both freedom and safety in my madness; the freedom of loneliness and the safety from being understood, for those who understand us enslave something in us.”

- Kahlil Gibran

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Amelia Noor-Oshiro is an educator, activist, and suicide survivor. Throughout her advocacy work she has used science and research to help others with suicidal ideations. She has shared her take and research on cross-cultural suicide prevention. One of Noor Oshiro’s favorite quotes is by Kahlil Gibran, he says, “I have found both freedom and safety in my madness; the freedom of loneliness and the safety from being understood, for those who understand us enslave something in us.” Amelia Noor Oshiro loves this quote because she too has lived through thoughts of suicide and has had to face the “madness” described in this quote.

Our interview with Zionsville Fire Department public educator, Vincent “Vince” Randolph, gave us an opportunity to ask questions to help get a better understanding. Mr. Randolph informed us there are several things that can impact a person to have those thoughts. Genetics, environment, and trauma are huge factors when trying to recognize the cause of the suicidal thoughts. Everyone is different, everyone’s pain is different, and that trauma plays a major part of it as well. Mr. Randolph informed us it’s very important to have open communication with your healthcare provider about how you’re feeling and about any medication you're currently on.

Mr. Randolph let us know medicine is a good tool when used as prescribed and isn’t something that’s supposed to make a person feel worse. Nowadays, anyone who is on medication is shamed for needing them to feel better. Something that can lead to a person not getting better and feeling worse is doing recreational drugs. While those drugs give users a sense of release, it is only for a short period of time. The aftermath is the worst part, it leaves the user feeling even worse than originally. The shameful reputation that has been given to medication has affected the way people, who actually need them, react to being medicated. Most people believe they need medication because they’re personally failing and aren’t as strong as others. People who take medication are not weak. They are as strong as anybody else and they are a lot stronger than most people, they realized they need a little assistance.

Medications (Randolph)

All medications used to combat suicidal tendencies should be taken as directed. Medicine is a good tool when used as prescribed by provider.

Be the Support (Randolph)

these intrusive thoughts, with that be knowledgeable of support around you. This includes the 988 suicide helpline, counselors, adults, therapists, etc.

Females are more likely to have thoughts of suicide and/or attempt. With that females are also more likely to admit that they have suicidal tendencies.

Warning Signs Include

• Talking about suicidal ideations
  
• Talking about feeling empty and/or hopeless
  
• Talking like there are no other options
  
• Talking about being a burden to others
  
• Withdrawing from normal activities
  
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
  
• Taking extreme measures like driving fast
  
• Putting affairs in order
• Giving away important possesions

“Warning signs aren’t always what a person is saying, it could be what they aren’t saying,” said Mr. Randolph. It’s important to be aware of any change in behavior, including any off-handed remarks such as “I’m done.” Suicidal thoughts start when a person is just overwhelmed by life and feel like they are suffocating with no way out. Having any mental illness like depression and anxiety increases the likelihood of more stress and suicidal thoughts. Depression and anxiety create agitation which can cause a person to be more sensitive to certain things (triggers). It’s important to be there, set boundaries, and be consistent. By setting boundaries, it can assure that both parties are comfortable. Asking questions that can be answered with comfortability helps both parties understand what is going on. Be empathetic towards them and open-minded, everyone deals with certain situations differently and that is normal. By talking to someone, the thoughts on suicide decrease and a person feels more understood. Everybody needs space sometimes, but don’t let that turn into isolation. The important thing is to be there for the person or find a person that can be there for them.