Let's Talk:

What is means safety?

This refers to reducing access to objects or items (“means”) by which people die by suicide. Means could include pills, firearms, or sharp objects. This is an important tool for reducing suicide risk.

Why does this work? 

• Suicide attempts are often impulsive. That is, many attempts occur with very little forethought. A person has an impulse to hurt themselves and uses the means that they have immediately at hand – such as firearms and pills.
• By making it harder to access the firearms, pills, or other means, we extend the time between the impulse and the behavior. This gives more time for the person to reconsider, or for someone else to intervene.
• Research shows that reducing access to lethal means prevents suicide and that people do not simply substitute a different method.

How can we reduce access to lethal means?

• Clinicians can talk to any patients who are at risk for suicide – and their families – about reducing access to lethal means.
  Click here to view an excellent guide for clinicians >>
  • For information to educate patients and families Click Here >>
• For flyers to give to patients and families 
  

  • Is your Home Suicide Proof? Download Here >>

  • Over-the-Counter Does Not Mean On-the-Counter Download Here >>

• Families can make sure that firearms are safely locked away so that teens or people at risk for suicide do not have access to them. If there is a person at risk for suicide in your home, consider removing the firearms from the home entirely.
  For more information about safer ways to store firearms click here >>
• Similarly, medications can be locked up in medication bags or medicine lockboxes. Alternatively, keep only a small amount in your home, or only a small amount unlocked and available. ED data on recent suicide attempts by teens in RI show that they are ingesting common household medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Prescription opioids and benzodiazepines can be very dangerous as well. 
  Learn more on how to dispose of unused medications >>
• Any RI citizen can advocate for nets on bridges. Data show that these nets save lives.
  Learn More >>

For more information, here are some great websites with additional resources:

• Comprehensive information about means safety  Learn More >>
• A free online version of CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means. This award-winning course teaches healthcare providers ways to talk to their patients about access to lethal means. Learn More >>
• A site that will walk a patient through decision-making for means safety. Learn More >>