To Stop or Not To Stop? The Good Samaritan Question

Would you know what to do if you found a person in crisis on the side of the road or at home with a family member acting out?

Would you stop and help or just keep going?  This can be a difficult decision.  Especially, the way the world is today with the uptick in crime, gun violence, and scams. 

Here are few different options:

  

1. Stop, but don't get out of your car, and assist that way.  Keep 911 on speed dial and call for help.  Keep windows closed enough to be safe. Wait for help to come.

2.  For a mental health or drug overdose (OD) emergency or suicide - Call 911, and explain that you want the Mobile Crisis Unit for a person in self-harm danger or OD.  They should dispatch immediately; stay until they arrive, but call for own support, backup, family intervention, etc.  Don't get out of your vehicle alone. 

3.  Carry Narcan with in your car, just in case the person is passed out from an OD.  I have an Emergency Gear backpack in my car, with that and other first aid emergency stuff that the local Sheriff's Dept. put together and gave out to the public. 

4.  There is also a non-law enforcement option.  In New York state, call the 211 PIC (Person-in-Crisis) Hotline or 988 Lifeline Crisis and Suicide Hotline to ask for help.  See the pic below, for more details.  

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988 is more than just a suicidal helpline. It is a direct connection to compassionate care. Anyone can call, chat, or text 988 for support, including anyone having thoughts of suicide, is in crisis or emotional distress, is struggling with substance use, or is experiencing a mental health crisis.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or text 988, or chat at:  988 Lifeline Chat

 

 

Many local people have stopped to help me when I've been stranded on the side of the road with car trouble.  Or needed help with stuff like air in my tires, or groceries.  I am always grateful for this kind support.  We can care and stay safe, and help maybe save a life.  Life is better when we become neighbors helping neighbors.  

Did you find this article helpful?  Please share your thoughts or suggestions!  I would love your feedback.

All Content Copyright LLCC

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. 

Please help share these resources, as you never know whose life you might save. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or online at: 

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/




All Content Copyright LLCC

About Suicide, Mental "Ilness" & Mental Health Stigma

Mental health stigma still has us in the Dark Ages

Boot Straps Stoicism has killed more people than anything I know in the form of alcoholism, addiction, suicide, and the long slow death of denial and PTSD.  Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are not illnesses to be scorned or defects of character - they are neuropsychological responses to extreme stress in numerous forms that affect every one differently and are NOT to be shamed by ignorant bystanders who would lay judgments on people struggling. 

While it's getting better, mental health stigma still persists like a bad dream, even today. So, while addiction and suicide rates climb, competent qualified mental health professionals are at a premium, and often difficult to find in rural areas and small towns.  Good mental health care can be found if you know where to look.  The search is worth the effort, and this blog has a number of links on our home page to get you started.

Self Help Strategies

 

If you are struggling with mental health symptoms and are uncomfortable seeking a therapist, counselor, or life coach, then get out a notebook, and START WRITING.  Write whatever comes into your head, don't censor it and UNLOAD.  When the paper owns it, you'll be able to look at it and see yourself more clearly.  This is the first step to well being.

No one knows better than you do what you are thinking and feeling, and the pen and paper are your vehicle to clear the channel, especially if you are bogged down in hopelessness, feelings of despair and raging emotion.  Remember, suicide is permanent, and feeling wretched might feel like it will last forever, but if the paper becomes your friend, then you can process those feelings and move thru them.  Being emotionally stuck is like being constipated, something has got to come out.
 

What about online coaching & therapy?

Studies have shown that online therapies can be quite effective in those dealing with suicidal thoughts. Even texting can be an effective intervention. What's important is reaching out for help, instead of suffering and staying stuck because it seems like there's no where to turn.

Below are some links to some interesting scientific articles on suicide prevention.  If you're feeling over whelming symptoms of distress, as outlined below, please seek professional mental health care.  There's no need to stay miserable and suffer endlessly alone!

 

Suicide Prevention and Texting - Easier Than You Might Think

Text Following Hospital Discharge Suicide Intervention 

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745353/