September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an annual month-long campaign to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma around the topic and encourage those in need to get help. Suicidal thoughts or actions should not be ignored.
We know that suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has tremendous resources to help you or your loved one, and any expression of suicidal thoughts should not be ignored. This is especially relevant during this time of COVID-19, with increased levels of anxiety and depression.
Recognize the Warning Signs of Suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) outlines the following warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide:
- Talking about killing themselves
- Hopelessness
- Having no reason to live
- Experiencing unbearable or inescapable pain
- Being a burden to their friends and family
- Killing themselves
The following behavior may also indicate risk, particularly following a significant stressful event:
- Increase use of alcohol or drugs
- Looking up ways to die
- Planning ways to die, including gathering access to means (e.g., knives, weapons, etc)
- Withdrawing from daily life
- Isolating from family and friends
- Giving away possessions
- Reaching out to others to say goodbye
For loved ones disclosing they are considering suicide, the AFSP recommends the following:
- Take the person seriously
- Help them remove access to lethal means
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7
- Escort them to mental health services or an emergency room
More resources can be found here:
- What to do when someone is at risk
- Risk Factors and Warning Signs
- Teens and suicide: What parents should know
- LGBTQ suicide risk
Suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Contact us to schedule an appointment to address your mental health needs.
If you or a family member are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7