They're not ok; and what to do next

 

R U OK?

What comes next is not always predictable.

This is the story of Lena and Felix.

 A couple of years ago, Lena became concerned when her husband Felix acknowledged he was experiencing debilitating anxiety and depression, and was contemplating suicide.

For a period of about 6 months, whenever he left the house, acutely aware of the suicide warning signs, Lena was in a state of fear. She was frightened about what might happen.

Which time would be the time he didn’t return.

She was all too aware about what could happen; and does happen. 8 people every day in Australia die by suicide.

She didn’t know how to stop her husband from leaving the house, she didn’t know how to intervene. 

So she sought help from someone who deeply understood the drivers, thoughts, and behaviours of suicide-prone individuals. Lena’s psychologist helped her develop a simple plan to effectively intervene at the earliest moment possible, to prevent the worst outcome.

Simple, yes. Finding the courage to carry out the plan for Lena was not as simple. For it took the deepest vulnerability and serious grit to genuinely enquire about something that she feared finding out about. 

But, she did it. Many times, and although it didn’t get any easier, it worked.

In Australia, being prepared with a bushfire survival fire plan is essential for many people - this was Lena’s suicide inquiry plan to intervene and prevent my husband taking his life. It was worth it.

Step 1.Thoughts

Question 1. Have you thought about taking your life in the past 48 hours?

If yes, ask question 2 and contact mental health professional/psychologist

Question 2: Have you thought about how you would go about it?

If yes, go to step 2 and contact crisis support hotline

Step 2. Plan

Question 3: Have you made a plan to take your life?

If yes, go to step 3 

Step 3. Intent and Behaviour

Question 4: Do you intend to carry out these plans in the next 24-48 hours?

Call 000

Lena’s courage in asking these questions and Felix’s bravery in answering openly and honestly, without hesitation meant that thankfully they never reached step 2.

@Lifeline report for each life lost to suicide, the impacts are felt by up to 135 people. 

For Felix and Lena, they had a community of 135 in their corner - friends, family, health and wellbeing professionals guiding and supporting them. It was through this community spirit, their story is one of recovery.

Thank you @RUOK @lifeline @beyondblue @mentalhealthmovement @blackdoginstitute for your contribution to #suicideprevention 

*Disclaimer: Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider before making decisions about your circumstances. Never disregard professional mental health or medical advice or delay seeking it because of any information contained in this article.