HELP
1st and far most if a friend, family member, anyone is talking about harming
themselves take this very seriously--tell an adult, have them call a crisis
line, stay with them. If the person articulates a plan-- help needs to be called
immediately by calling 911 or getting the person to the ER at IA Lutheran or
Mercy Franklin (Broadlawns would be a last choice since they don't usually take
kids). Call any adult and stay with the person, even if they say they have
changed their mind or promise not to do anything--you have to tell someone even
if you fear they will get angry with you. Better for them to be angry than the
alternative.
Just because a person is taken to an ER doesn't mean they will have to be
admitted--the person will be screened and appropriate treatment will be arranged
according to the doctor's and nurses evaluation.
These are 24 hour hotlines you can call anonymously to talk about your feelings,
trained counselors or nurses take the calls and will talk with you at any hour
of the day or night, they can listen, give information about resources or what
you should do to help yourself or someone else:
Mental Health Help Line: 271-6111
Crisis Team: 282-5752
IA Concern Hotline: 331-8900
Suicide Prevention: 888 333 AFSP
Mercy Nurse: 243-2584
My Nurse: 800 424 3258
You can also get online and do a search for "suicide or grief" and you can find
websites or other 800's to talk to someone.
REMEMBER: If warning signs are seen do not ignore them, take all threats
seriously. Seek professional help, call hospital, police or mental health
center. Discuss the feelings openly and frankly if confided in. Do not dismiss
feelings, problems or get angry. Stay calm and concerned. Listen. Show interest
and support. Don't leave the person alone.
DON'TS: Don't minimize or ignore statements of wanting to die or not being able
to go on. Do not say things like "everything will be all right", or "snap out of
it." Do not swear to secrecy or debate the feelings, don't delay getting help.
As Kelli's little brother's mom I am always available, as a therapist I can
assist you to get help or if you just want to talk: I can be reached at home at
957-0859 or by cell at 491-5836. I am frequently on call and am
used to getting calls in the middle of the night from parents or patients, I can
listen and help you find the resources you need. We all love and miss Kelli and
I just want everyone to be safe and feel like their feelings are being taken
seriously and that it is normal to need outside help at times to deal with such
a tragedy.
Little Chance's mom, lisa