Mental Health Monday: How to help a friend who may have suicidal thoughts

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Demand for mental health care, especially in youth, is on the rise according to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Stefanie Westover, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker said, "There's a lot of need and not a lot of providers."

In 2023, the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center's Behavioral Health Center added more beds to its adolescent acute care unit, reduced the age and launched its Intensive Outpatient Program.

"We've seen the highest number of adolescents that we've ever seen here at BHC, and our goal is to keep kids closer to home," BHC Vice President Shawn LaPray said.

But there is still a greater need for mental health services.

"More than 60% of youth who have a major depressive episode are not getting care," Westover said. "And Idaho, as a state right now is ranking number 50 in the nation for overall mental health care needs and our lack of ability to meet them."

Because of the lack of services and many not knowing where to turn or what qualifies for a certain level of care, people can feel discouraged.

"Sometimes I've heard people kind of lose hope that they're going to find somebody who's going to be a good fit for them. And often there are long wait lists. I know my wait list is pretty long, over two years long right now," Westover said.

If you know someone who may be struggling and having thoughts of suicide, experts say you can help through through the QPR approach; Ask sincere questions, persuade suicide is not the answer and refer help.

Ask the Questions

• Asking shows signs of care
• Examples: "Have you been unhappy lately?" – "Have you ever been so unhappy you have thought about taking your life?" – "You look pretty miserable, I wonder if you're thinking about suicide?"
• Bad examples: "You're not thinking of killing yourself are you?" – "You wouldn't do anything stupid would you?"

Persude

• Listen to the problem
• Don't rush judgement
• Offer hope and ask how you can support

Refer

• Sometimes the best referral involves taking the person directly to a source of help
• Get a commitment from them to accept help and make arrangements
• Give them information
• Call 988 or visit the Emergency Room in a crisis

QPR is not intended as a form of treatment but a way to provide hope.

"There is a fear that they'll put that idea in their head that's not founded. What we do know is that over 90% of people who complete suicide made some kind of comment the week before," Westover said.

Though resources may be limited now, schools, crisis centers and therapy offices are dedicated to help.

"We'll continue to look at the growth of our region and make sure that we have enough resources to to care for our community. And we'll just continue to adjust and adapt," LaPray said.