How Can I Help Prevent Suicide?

The Department of Health and Human Services encourages community and family members to follow the ACE (Ask, Care, Escort) suicide prevention model.  

1. First, ask “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Many are uncomfortable asking this question point blank. However, research indicates that when you ask a person experiencing suicidal ideation this question directly, they are more likely to be honest with their answer. It is dire that we be frank and utilize the question as is.  
2. Next, we show care for the individual by actively listening and engaging, without judgment, which may bring temporary relief to the individual as they feel they are not alone.  
3. Finally, do your best to escort them to the nearest helping resource. Do NOT leave them alone! This may be that you call 911 and wait with them for emergency care to arrive, take them to the nearest hospital, or contact a known support person such as a family member or trusted friend. Wait with them until the individual arrives. If possible or if needed, separate the individual from the method of harm. 

Samantha Brawley is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She attended Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Kansas City, Missouri) where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies in 2014 and a Master of Arts in Counseling in 2018. She then moved to Southeast Texas with her husband and three children, where she began her state internship for counseling at Family Services of Southeast Texas serving victims of domestic violence. In 2021, Samantha sought to gain experience in a different approach for counseling and began working as a Special Education Counselor for Silsbee ISD. Here, she enriched her abilities to work with students who struggle with managing their behavior due to ADHD, ODD, depression, trauma, anxiety, and developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Samantha valued this experience as she too has two children with Autism and ADHD. She is excited to return to private practice and work with individuals of all ages. She believes everyone deserves support as they walk through challenges in their daily life. Samantha loves life, laughter, and her faith. She seeks to help others identify and pursue the best version of themselves. Her favorite quote is by Walt Disney: "Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious...and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."