Suicide prevention starts with preparation, training Published Sept. 4, 2009 By Capt. Lisa Mull 10th Medical Group U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Every year, more than a million people die by suicide and several million more attempt it. Tremendous efforts have been made to address this problem, However, there is still more to be done. The goal of Suicide Prevention Month (September) is to increase awareness and advocacy about suicide prevention. One of the greatest tools for preventing suicide is to prepare those who may cross paths with someone who is at risk. Knowing the warning signs, knowing how to help, and knowing what to do in an emergency is key to suicide intervention and prevention. The following information is intended to be succinct, easily understood and effective. Know the warning signs -- use the mnemonic IS PATH WARM. -- Ideation: Talk of wanting to hurt or kill oneself -- Substance Abuse: Increased drug or alcohol use -- Purposelessness: No reason for living or no sense of purpose in life. -- Anxiety: Agitation, inability to sleep or sleeping all the time -- Trapped: Feeling like there's no way out -- Hopelessness: Feeling like there's no hope for the future -- Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family and society -- Anger: Rage, seeking revenge -- Recklessness: Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities -- Mood Change: Dramatic shifts in mood Know how to help: -- Be aware. Learn the warning signs. -- Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support. -- Ask if the other person is thinking about suicide. -- Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide. -- Be willing to listen. Allow for expression of feelings. Accept the feelings. -- Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life. -- Don't dare the person to do it. -- Don't give advice by making decisions for someone else to tell them to behave differently. -- Don't ask 'why'. This encourages defensiveness. -- Offer empathy, not sympathy. -- Don't act shocked. This creates distance. -- Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support. -- Offer hope that alternatives are available, do not offer glib reassurance; it only proves you don't understand. -- Take action! Remove means! Get help from individuals or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Emergency actions: -- Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255) -- Call 911 or go to nearest emergency department. For more information, visit www.suicidology.org or call 719-333-5177.