When someone completes suicide, family members, friends and co-workers often ask “Why?” and “What could I have done to stop it?” or “Why didn’t I see the warning signs?” Of course many strong feelings accompany these questions. I know as an EAP provider I always feel terrible and ask, “Why didn’t our program reach them?” and “What could we have done better so that anyone who is very depressed and having thoughts of suicide would call us for help?”

Unfortunately, at that point it is too late. What can you do and what should you know if a loved one, friend or co-worker is in that position before it is too late?

Andrea Iger Duarte, MSW, MPH, a Behavioral Health Program Manager at the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has put together the attached “Suicide Prevention Basics – What You Should Know”. It is an excellent wealth of information and resources geared toward prevention of suicide. Andrea is also the local EAP Coordinator at DMHAS, Office of the Commissioner and we thank her very much for putting this together and making it available to us during National Suicide Prevention Week, which was September 5 – 11, 2010!

Too often we feel unsure of how to proceed if there is a mental health issue and we may back off and not pay attention or take action. Would you do this if it were a medical issue such as someone choking or having a heart attack? Think of this as the Heimlich Maneuver or CPR for someone in trouble. Take a few moments to look through the attached; it really could save a loved one.

If we can help in any way through direct EAP counseling or a telephone consultation, please don’t hesitate to call us at 800-526-3485. Our phones are answered 24/7.

George "Bud" Wassell, MS, LPC, CEAP
Director, Solutions EAP
213 Court Street
Middletown, CT 06457
860-704-6222 or 800-526-3485
fax: 860-704-6221
www.solutions-eap.com