You receive a series of text messages from a close friend late at night. The messages express feelings of extreme hopelessness and being a burden to everyone. Your friend mentions that they 'just want the pain to end' and then stops responding to your messages. Based on this situation, what is one of the most effective and immediate actions you could take to help your friend? Explain your reasoning, referencing a specific type of support resource.

Responding to a Friend in Crisis

A network of support is available for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, their loved ones, or those who have lost someone to suicide. Key resources providing immediate help include the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org), the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255), and the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

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Protective factors are resources and skills that help an individual cope during times of crisis or intense psychological pain, thereby reducing the risk of suicide. Key examples include strong social support from friends and family, religious beliefs, effective coping strategies, and well-developed problem-solving skills.

Protective Factors Against Suicide

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Suicide Prevention and Crisis Support Resources

Read the following scenario. Identify at least two distinct protective factors that are helping the individual cope with their crisis and explain how each factor is demonstrated in the text.

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