Sinead O'Connor's recent public meltdown sparked a flurry of alarm among friends and fans when the 48-year old singer wrote in an emotional Facebook post that she had taken an overdose. Although Sinead was given immediate medical treatment, she took to social media once again to vent a few more worrying words.
The 'Nothing Compares 2 U' artist is one of the more publicised but definitely not the only person to reach out in Facebook and other social media while going through a period of self-harm.
What can a person do, however, when faced with a friend or family member, or even a stranger for that matter, who is bent on inflicting harm on themselves?
Sinead said: "The last two nights finished me off. I have taken an overdose. There is no other way to get respect. I am not at home, I'm at a hotel, somewhere in ireland, under another name..."
#1: Ask for help from authorities immediately: Facebook provided a suicide prevention guide, which advises an immediate call to the local police for help and assistance.
#2: Call a suicide hotline: Besides local law enforcement, experts at the other end of a suicide hotline may also be able to help in preventing drastic measures from taking place.
#3: Especially because such episodes may be periods of mental health crisis, Information Manager Rachel Boyd for Mind - a charity for mental health, advises UK residents: "If you're worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life, you should encourage them either to ring the Samaritans (116 123), contact their GP for an emergency appointment, ring 999, or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department."
#4: Sometimes, a willing ear and a shoulder to cry on make all the difference: SANE Chief Execute Marjorie Wallace advices taking the time to extend compassion and understanding to the person in distress.
#5: Similar to Ms. Wallace, Rethink Mental Illness Director of External Relations Brian Dow says that people who show signs of suicidal tendencies should not be shown blame or judgement or be made to experience criticism.
#6: Remember that recovery from any suicidal or similar episodes takes time, patience and consistency.
