A gatekeeper is someone trained to recognize a suicide crisis and, because of their training, knows how and where to find help.

Suicide Prevention gatekeeper training takes one and a half hours and is taught in a format that is clear, concise, and applicable for a wide variety of audiences. Gatekeepers are given information that is easy to understand, and reinforced by a wallet card complete with things to say or not to say, and a list of resources available in your community.

Speaking to someone about suicide offers the increased possibility of intervention early in the depressive and/or suicidal crisis (when the level of suicide may be less).

This training encourages the gatekeeper to take the individual directly to a treatment provider and/or community resource.

This training stresses active follow-up on each intervention that occurs. The individual trained often plays a preexisting role in the at-risk person’s life. This increases the sense of continuity, support likelihood of a positive resolution and increases a sense of connection and belonging.

From the National Institute of Mental Health
The behaviors listed below may be some of the signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

TALKING ABOUT:

1. Wanting to die
2. Great guilt or shame
3. Being a burden to others

FEELING:

1. Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
2. Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
3. Unbearable emotional or physical pain

CHANGING BEHAVIOR, SUCH AS:

1. Making a plan or researching ways to die
2. Withdrawing from friends, saying good bye, giving away important items, or making a will
3. Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
4. Displaying extreme mood swings
5. Eating or sleeping more or less
6. Using dangerous drugs or alcohol more often

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.

Download PDF regarding the NIMH’s Warning Signs and Share

1. ASK:

“Are you thinking of killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does NOT increase suicides and or suicidal thoughts.

2. KEEP THEM SAFE:

Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means makes a difference.

3. BE THERE:

Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

4. HELP THEM CONNECT:

Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone so it’s there when you need it: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

5. STAY CONNECTED:

Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

Download PDF regarding the NIMH’s Five Action Steps and Share

6. CREATE A SAFETY PLAN:

Patient Safety Plan Template Adopted from the ©2008 Barbara Stanley and Gregory K. Brown