“We need to know that suicide happens,” warned Alan C. Rasmussen of the Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Board at the March 16 community forum sponsored by LOW Democrats. “Life has its twists and turns and sometimes it may seem to be unbearable.”
Rasmussen’s message to about 60 members and guests at the LOW Community Center was to be prepared to step up when someone we know is considering suicide and not to shy away because we are afraid or unsure what to do.
In a program he called “Saving Lives,” Rasmussen advocated an three-step emergency procedure he called QPR:
- Question the person: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
- Persaude: “There are other ways to deal with your problems.”
- Refer: “Let me take you to someone who knows how to help.”
Rasmussen said that 30,000 people commit suicide in the United States each year. That’s one person every 15 minutes.
A little empathy from a loved one, a friend or even a stranger can save lives, he said. Being aware of the signs of potential suicide and knowing how to respond is critical.
The risk factors for suicide are:
- Previous suicide attempts
- Current talk of suicide
- Preoccupation with death or dying
- Depression
- Substance use disorder
- Suicide or attempted suicide by a friend or relative
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Assault or bullying
In Orange County the number to call for help for someone considering suicide is 540-672-2718.