Can we talk about suicide? This conversation is not pleasant. But please, lets have it now.
Forty years ago, I thought suicide mostly happened to well-to-do, white men. However, here is the horrible truth. Suicide is not resigned to any race, gender, or age. It is the 10th leading causeof adult deaths in the United States.
The statistics get more disturbing. One online news source reports: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among teenagers. It is the fourth leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This is a great time to commit to the prevention of the suicides so prevalent among us. You can start by knowing the warning signs of suicide from the National Institute of Mental Health. They are listed below.
But first, will you take a few minutes to listen to these 4 suicide survivors?
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
- Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
- Talking about great guilt or shame
- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
- Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
- Talking or thinking about death often
- Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Putting affairs in order, making a will
YOU CAN HELP SAVE SOMEONE’S LIFE.
There may be other signs. If these warning signs apply to you, or someone you know, please get help immediately. Getting help as soon as possible is especially important if the behavior is new or has recently increased.
Here are some 24/7 resources to contact if you or someone you know are contemplating suicide. If you’re not certain, contact them anyway.
Click on any of the names below to be directed to the any website .
- Call 911 first for immediate help.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line, Text 7417
- Veterans Crisis Line, at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, Text 838255
- The Trevor Project for LBGQT youth, at 1-866-488-7386
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