September is Suicide Prevention Awarenss Month and this is a brief reminder of what each of us can do to recognize and help others who may be thinking of suicide.

"IS-PATH-WARM" is a memory aid developed by the American Association of Suicidality to help recognize the signs of persons who may be thinking of suicide. An addditional memory aid for what to do when you suspect someone may be thinking of suicide is "ACE".

Follow up:

Suicide is often associated with a severe crisis that does not go away, that may worsen over time, or that may appear hopeless. When friends, loved ones, or workmates appear to be in crisis, they may Show signs that indicate that they are at risk of attempting or committing suicide. At that point the situation is no longer a personal matter but rather a call for action for any of us who become aware of those signs.

IS-PATH-WARM is a memory aid developed by the American Association of Suicidality to help recognize the signs of persons who may be thinking of suicide:

• I - ideation. Thoughts of suicide expressed, threatened, or written.
• S - substance abuse. Increased or excessive alcohol or drug use.
• P - purposeless. Seeing no reason for living or having no sense Of meaning or purpose of life.
• A - anxiety. Feeling anxious, agitated, frequent nightmares, or wnable to sleep (or sleeping all the time).
• T - trapped. Feeling trapped, like there is no way out.
• H - hopelessness. Feeling hopeless about self, others, the future.
• W - withdrawing. Withdrawing from family, friends, usual activities, society.
• A - anger. Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge for perceived wrongs.
• R - recklessness. Acting without regard for consequences, excessively risky behavior.
• M - mood changes. Experiencing dramatic changes in mood. Unstable mood.

An additional memory aid for what to do when you Suspect someone may be thinking of suicide - ACE:

• Ask. Ask the question directly: are you thinking about killing yourself?
• Care. Be willing to listen and allow the person to express feelings. If the person mentions thoughts of suicide, talk openly about it. Do not preach. Do not guilt. Active listening is likely to produce relief.
• Escort. Never leave the person alone if you suspect he or she is suicidal. Encourage the person to accompany you to the nearest Source of help: supervisor, command cadre, chaplain, emergency room, healthcare professional, or mental healthcare provider, or call 911 If needed. Be particularly concerned if the person appears to be, or will likely become, intoxicated if left alone.