Write a list of concerns, observations, past and current medical issues and health care challenges as well as any thoughts of depression and suicide. Not an emergency but still concerned? Ask for help and direction. Follow-up to make sure medical records and reports were received on both ends. Request patient information between emergency room personnel, primary care as well as specialty care doctors be exchanged. Knowledge of these changes could help in the assessment process. Hopefully, your input will help provide direction for emergency assessments, treatment and referrals.įrom the emergency room, contact your loved one’s pediatrician, family doctor, specialists or primary care facility.įamily history, medications and undiagnosed medical problems are just a few issues that can impact on a person’s physical and behavioral well being and ability to cope. Your loved one won’t give his or her permission? You still have options.Under the privacy provisions of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), medical personnel may not be able to talk to you about a loved one or friend but you can tell medical professionals what you know and have observed. Present your list of concerns, observations and all background information. Encourage your family member or friend to give his or her permission for you to speak on their behalf to emergency, primary and behavioral health care providers. Often times, a depressed person is so hopeless and despairing he or she is unable to seek help. Offer to go with your loved one as he or she seeks care. For all children (infant -18), visit Hasbro Children’s Hospital for an emergency assessment, medical clearance and referrals to local resources. Not all patients will be admitted, but hospitals can provide guidance on follow-up care and treatment. Urge your loved one to visit the nearest acute care hospital for an emergency medical and psychiatric assessment.īy RI law, the insured and uninsured must be treated at RI’s acute care hospital emergency rooms. Share your concerns about safety and ask for guidance. The answer may provide a clue to the problem and ways in which you can help.Īre there weapons? Are other persons, especially children, in the vicinity? In all life threatening situations, please call RI Emergency 911 directly.Are you contemplating reporting a suicidal person to the police and have concerns about your safety if you make such a report? Please call 911 or your local municipal police. Ask your loved one what is bothering him or her the most. Overreacting, speaking in a judgmental manner or closing the door with advice will push your loved one away. Show you care by asking in a calm, concerned manner. Tell your loved one, it’s ok to talk to you, that you love and care about them and don’t want them to die. It is a myth to believe if you ask the thought will be planted and the outcome inevitable. Planning the time, the method and the means may take hours, days, weeks or more. For suicidal individuals, life’s circumstances are overwhelming their coping skills are no longer adequate and they believe no options exist except suicide.Īt The Samaritans, we are often asked, “Would our loved one have done it if he or she knew how much pain they caused?” We are also asked, “Isn’t suicide a selfish act?” For the suicidal, thoughts of others-even the closest family members-have been chased away by depression and mental illness. Treat signs of depression and threats of suicide as part of a serious illness.Īdditionally, changes in medications or diet, stress, lifestyle issues or previously undiagnosed medical problems can impact on a person’s physical and behavioral well being often causing chemical imbalances and impacting on a person’s ability to cope.Įxperts tell us three things about the truly suicidal: they are without hope, believe no one cares of they live or die and in the end truly believe they are doing everyone a favor if they die by suicide. Just as you would not tell someone to get over a heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer, so should you not tell someone to get over depression. The brain is one of the body’s major organs like the heart, lung, liver or kidney. If someone is at immediate risk of suicide, please call RI Emergency 911!.What To Do If a Family Member or Friend Threatens Suicide
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