September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Many lives have been lost, millions have experienced suicidal thoughts, and many individuals and families have been impacted by suicide. ??It’s important to know how to identify the signs and where to go for help if you or someone you know needs assistance. ?

It’s important to note that many companies have Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that are available to employees at no cost and can assist with finding mental health providers.? I would encourage you to reach out to your Human Resources department to learn more about this fringe benefit.

How can you help?

Educate yourself and others about suicide prevention by learning warning signs and risk factors, learn how to support someone considering suicide and ensure you are familiar with the 988 Suicide and Crises Lifeline.

What are the warning signs of someone considering suicide?

Signs for Youth

·?????? Talking about or making plans for suicide

·?????? Expressing hopelessness about the future

·?????? Displaying severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress

·?????? Changing or withdrawing from social connections or situations

·?????? Changes in sleep (increased or decreased)

·?????? Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context

·?????? Recent increased agitation or irritability

Signs for Adults

·?????? Talking about or making plans for suicide

·?????? Acting anxious, agitated, or behaving recklessly

·?????? Talking about being a burden to others

·?????? Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

·?????? Increasing the use of alcohol and/or drugs

·?????? Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

·?????? Sleeping too little or too much

·?????? Withdrawing or feeling isolated

·?????? Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

·?????? Displaying extreme mood swings

What are the risk and protection factors of suicide in an individual’s personal life, relationships, community, and culture?

Personal life

Risk

·?????? Previous suicide attempt(s)

·?????? History of depression and other mental illnesses

·?????? Serious illness such as chronic pain

·?????? Criminal/legal problems

·?????? Job/financial problems or loss

·?????? Impulsive or aggressive tendencies

·?????? Substance use

·?????? Current or prior history of adverse childhood experiences

·?????? Sense of hopelessness

·?????? Violence victimization and/or perpetration

Protections

·?????? Effective coping and problem-solving skills

·?????? Reasons for living (family, friends, pets, etc.)

·?????? Strong sense of cultural identity

Relationships

Risk

·?????? Bullying

·?????? Family/loved one’s history of suicide

·?????? Loss of relationships

·?????? High conflict or violent relationships

·?????? Social isolation

Protections:

·?????? Support from partners, family, and friends

·?????? Feeling connected to others

Community

Risk

·?????? Lack of access to healthcare

·?????? Suicide cluster in the community

·?????? Stress acculturation

·?????? Community violence

·?????? Historical trauma

·?????? Discrimination

Protections

·?????? Feeling connected to community, school, or other social institutions

·?????? Availability of consistent and high quality physical and behavioral healthcare

Cultural

Risk

·?????? Stigma associated with help-seeking and mental illness

·?????? Easy access to lethal means of suicide among people at risk

·?????? Unsafe medial portrayals of suicide

Protections

·?????? Reduced access to lethal means of suicide among people at risk

·?????? Cultural, religious, or moral objections to suicide

How do I support someone considering suicide?

Recognize the warning signs. Watch for signs such as withdrawing, mood swings, and impulsive behavior

Reach out and ask, “Are you OK?” Many people who are considering suicide feel alone and having someone reach out to check on them and show they care can make all the difference

Be direct: Ask about suicide. Encouraging individuals to discuss how they are feeling and feeling compassion from others can help reduce the risk of suicide. Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions such as, “Have you had thoughts of suicide?”

Assess risk and don’t panic: Suicidal feelings aren’t always an emergency. If an individual confides in you that they have had thoughts of suicide don’t panic. Not all individuals who have had thoughts of suicide will act upon them.

If it’s a crisis, stick around. People who do not feel alone may not act on their thoughts.

Listen and offer hope. Don’t tell someone what to do but show support, encouragement, and tell them they are not alone.

Help make a safety plan. This plan can be as simple as what to do when challenges happen, and thoughts take over.? The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention has a template for creating a safety plan and you can access it here: https://www.mysafetyplan.org/

Help tackle the mental health care system. Dialectical behavior therapy or DBT has been shown to be effective in reducing risk of suicide

Explore tools and support line: 988 Hotline, Smartphone application called Virtual Hope Box: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/virtual-hope-box/id825099621, Website No Matters Now: https://nowmattersnow.org/

So many people suffer in silence and suicide numbers continue increasing year after year. Let’s all do our part and ensure we are educated in identifying the signs, know the risks, and be aware of what resources are available and where to go to get help and assistance for ourselves and those we love.?

There are many helpful websites that can provide information, aid, and guide you or someone you know in getting help.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicide/about

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/

American Foundation of Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org/national-suicide-prevention-month/

National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) https://www.nctsn.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) https://www.nami.org/

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