On September 10th we celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2018, there were approximately 1.4 million suicide attempts and 48,344 deaths by suicide. September is a month that we can focus on spreading awareness and offering help for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
What are the warning signs?
Warning signs include impulsiveness, risky behavior, uncontrolled anger, hopelessness, withdrawal from family and friends, hopelessness, over sleeping, being unable to sleep, feeling trapped, or increased substance abuse.
What to do
- Offer support
- Listen
- Ask the individual directly if they are considering suicide
- Take it Seriously
- Stay Calm
- Connect to resources (Go with them to the ER or contact a suicide helpline with them)
- Educate yourself
- Spread awareness
- Reach out
- Continue to reach out
What not to do
- Judge
- Preach
- Make Promises
- Shame
- Minimize their problems
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Visit these websites for more information on how you can help prevent suicide.
https://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/wspd/en/
https://www.take5tosavelives.org/reachout
https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/
https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month
https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/be-there-prevent-suicide/index.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/in-depth/suicide/art-20044707
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Thank you for your ongoing business. We wish you good mental health.