Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Protocol for Celebrate Recovery

In Celebrate Recovery (CR) we take ALL remarks of suicide or intent to harm themselves or someone else very seriously.  Guideline #4 states, “Anonymity and confidentiality are basic requirements.  What is said in the group stays in the group.  The only exception is when someone threatens to injure themselves or others.”

We must implement the guideline in its entirety, keeping confidentiality but not at the expense of self-harm or harming others.  If a person talks of ending their life, they cannot have the expectation of confidentiality.  This does not mean everything they shared prior to the event should be shared outside the group.  They should expect some information to be shared with CR leadership,  emergency personnel, first responders, medical staff, intervention professionals, etc.

IF THE PERSON IN QUESTION IS A MINOR, NO MATTER WHAT LEVEL OF THREAT, A PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST BE CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY.  Call 911 (or 988 – Idaho Crisis Line), FOR A CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM MEMBER TO COME OUT AND ASSESS THE INDIVIDUAL WHO IS STRUGGLING.

Remember your role is to make sure the person is safe.  Your role IS NOT to save them or treat them.

The most common approach to suicide prevention is asking questions.  We want to determine if they are in imminent danger of taking their life, or, of talking about taking their life is a way to express their level of pain.

There are three levels of Concern.  If you are not sure which level applies, it is better to assess to the higher level of concern than lose a life because of inaction.  Use the colors of mental health as your guide and as a resource. 

GREEN – LEVEL 1: THE LOWEST LEVEL OF CONCERN

When a person mentions something that does not sit with you, “Some days I just feel like jumping off a bridge…,” “I’ll be glad when I am dead, so I don’t have to deal with this stuff anymore.”  These are typically generalized statements with no plan of action.  When statements like these are stated you must be willing to ask the hard questions.

Action Steps:  Address the person and ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide or self-harm.  Let them know you are concerned.  Actively listen to their response.  If they did not intend to come across that way, they state they have no intention of suicide or self-harm, then no further intervention may be needed.

However, if they deflect the question, restate their original statement, or answer “YES” then advance to level 2.

YELLOW – LEVEL 2: DANGER LEVEL

At this point, there is a real threat of intent towards suicide.  You need to take immediate action.  This person needs intervention, even if they are only thinking about it.  Thoughts lead to intent, which can lead to action.  An important question to ask here is “Do you have a plan?” “What is your plan?”

Tell them you want to help and the best way to do that is with the help of another leader, or someone they trust.  If possible, do encourage them to allow a second person to join the conversation – do not continue this alone.  Two are better than one, this keeps everyone safe. 

Begin to assess the person’s ability to stay safe.  Gather as much information as possible to determine the level of help they may need.  Bring a second trusted person into the conversation.

Some important questions to ask:

             1.  Do you have a plan?

             2.  Do you have access to the means to carry out your plan?

             3.  Have you ever attempted suicide before?

             4.  Do you have someone at home to be with you?

             5.  Are you under care for this?  (If they answer YES) Who is your doctor?

             6.  Are you on any medications for this issue?  Have you changed or stopped any of these                                                 medications?

             7.  Has there been any big changes in your life recently?

             8.  Have you ever been treated for suicide attempts in the past?

After asking these questions, assess the likelihood that the person will attempt suicide. 

If the risk is low then take them someplace safe and with people who can be with them.  Suggest following the Mental Health Plan and visit their doctor or counselor.

If the risk is higher call 911 or 988 and ask for a crisis intervention professional.   Let a professional responder or a trusted family member take them to the ER or an in-patient facility for more intense treatment.

RED – LEVEL 3: HIGHEST LEVEL OF CONCERN

You have NO CHOICE, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!!

You ARE NOT a trained crisis intervention professional.  We are NOT TO RISK THE LIFE of that person or our own lives by trying to do a job that is not ours.  This person may be unstable enough to harm you or others in their final goal of their own suicide.   The person needs professional, qualified help.  We are here to support one another.

After the incident is over you must reach out to a leader and complete an incident report for CR and/or the hosting church.  You may also be asked to submit a statement to local law enforcement for their investigation.