#BeThe1To
Help Save a Life

We can all take action to prevent suicide.

Most people want to help someone in distress but don’t know what to say or do – or are afraid
they might make things worse. Evidence shows this is not the case. It is critical to reach out.

Below are some simple steps that can make all the difference.

BTS Posters 8-30-22 Warning Signs

Know the Warning Signs

The more familiar you are with the warning signs of suicide, the more likely you are to recognize them. US posters refer to Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Canadian posters refer to Talk Suicide Canada. Please download and print a poster below and put it up everywhere you can, including call boards, notice boards, breakrooms, and anywhere other safety information is shown.

Recognizing Warning Signs During Social Distancing

(Scroll to the bottom of the page for translations)
Many of the signs that someone may be considering suicide will be harder to read during times of physical distancing. Changes in routine especially will not be as apparent, but there are other things you can look for:

  • Changes in tone, language, and time of day when texting, talking, or posting online.
  • Do they answer your calls or texts?
  • Changes in the frequency (more or less) and content of what they might be sharing online or if they share media links with you.
  • Pay special attention to changes in energy levels or appetite; increased use of drugs or alcohol; mood swings; trouble sleeping or relaxing; frequent headaches, stomachaches, or body pains; heightened worrying or anxiety; and inability to feel pleasure.

#BeThe1To

There are five steps that can be critical to saving a life. The more familiar you (and everyone around you) are with them, the more comfortable you will be taking those steps. US posters refer to National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Canadian posters refer to Crisis Services Canada. Each poster includes a QR code that will lead you directly to more information about each of the steps. JPGs are provided for sharing on social media.

Each of the five steps is very straightforward, but implementing them can sometimes be a little daunting. How do you “Ask?” How can you “Keep them safe?”

If you are trying to help someone through a crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can also provide you with assistance and support.

BTS Posters 8-30-22 5 Steps

#BeThe1To Wallet Cards Available On Request

Printed wallet cards are available in English (US and Canada) and French (Canada) for individuals and organizations. Email [email protected] with the quantity and your postal mailing address.

Cómo reconocer los signos de peligro durante el distanciamiento social

Es más difícil leer las señales de que alguien está pensando en suicidarse durante el distanciamiento social. Los cambios en su rutina no serán tan aparentes, pero hay otras señales que puedes buscar:

  • Cambios de tono, lenguaje y hora del día en la que mandan mensajes, hablan o escriben en línea.
  • ¿Contestan tus llamadas y mensajes?
  • Cambios en la frecuencia (más o menos seguido) y en el contenido de lo que comparten en línea o si comparten contenido mediático contigo.
  • Presta mucha atención a cualquier cambio en los niveles de energía o de apetito; aumento en el uso de drogas o alcohol; cambios repentinos de humor; problemas con el sueño o dificultad para relajarse; dolores de cabeza, estómago o cuerpo; mayor ansiedad y preocupación o dificultad para sentir placer.

Reconnaître les signes avant-coureurs en période de distanciation sociale

Plusieurs des signes indiquant que quelqu’un envisage de se suicider seront plus difficiles à reconnaître pendant les périodes de distanciation physique. Les changements dans la routine, particulièrement, ne seront pas aussi apparents, mais il y a d’autres indices vers lesquels vous pouvez diriger votre attention :

  • Les changements dans le ton utilisé, la langue parlée et l’heure de la journée lors de l’envoi de SMS, de conversations ou de publications en ligne.
  • Recevez-vous des réponses à vos appels ou SMS ?
  • Des changements quant à la fréquence (plus ou moins) et au contenu de ce qu’ils pourraient partager en ligne ou s’ils partagent du contenu média avec vous.
  • Portez une attention particulière aux variations d’énergie ou d’appétit; à la consommation accrue de drogues ou d’alcool; s’il y a sautes d’humeur; difficulté à dormir ou à se détendre; maux de tête, maux d’estomac ou douleurs corporelles fréquents; inquiétude ou anxiété accrue; ou encore incapacité à ressentir du plaisir.
Behind the Scenes Foundation makes no representations or warranty whatsoever, either expressed or implied, regarding any information or advice provided herein. In no event shall Behind the Scenes Foundation be liable to you or anyone else for any decision or action taken in reliance on information provided herein.