Emergency Care

Get the emergency treatment you need for a suicide attempt

In the U.S., there are twice as many suicides than homicides each year. A suicide attempt is a self-directed behavior to take one’s own life that’s not successful. While the attempt is nonfatal, he or she needs emergency treatment.

Goshen Hospital Emergency Department knows this can be a challenging time for the suicide attempt survivor, family and friends. Let us provide the care you need. After our initial emergency treatment, we can make recommendations for follow-up care to get you on the journey toward healing.

Call 911 or come to our emergency room on High Park Avenue in the case of an attempted suicide in Goshen, IN, or a surrounding area.

What causes attempted suicide?

About 90 percent of people who die from suicide have a mental disorder, as they have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. However, not everyone with a mental disorder is at risk of suicide. In fact, the vast majority of this group leads healthy lives.

Signs of a suicide attempt

You may notice warning signs that someone you know is considering suicide.

Look out for these suicidal symptoms and behaviors:

  • Giving away possessions
  • Increased alcohol or substance use or abuse
  • Mood swings, especially between despair and calmness
  • Reckless or aggressive behaviors
  • Saying goodbye, either directly or indirectly, to family and friends
  • Social withdrawal, especially from friends or family
  • Thinking, writing or talking about death
  • Threatening to kill oneself or talking about wanting to die

If you suspect someone – including yourself – is suicidal, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately. Make the call even if you are not sure about the person’s intent.

Treatment at our ER

A suicide attempt requires emergency treatment regardless of whether there are physical injuries. Treatment of injuries when they are present is definitely part of treating a suicide attempt. However, intervention to address underlying causes is vital. Our board certified emergency physicians and nurses, certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), offer compassionate care and can refer you to a specialist.

At Goshen Health, we strive to maintain and improve the well-being of our community – that includes your mental health. Let us know how we can care for you when you go to the ER.

Goshen Hospital Emergency Department serves Elkhart County with emergency treatment for suicide attempts in Goshen, IN.