Today is National Suicide Prevention Day
By Deb Del Vecchio-Scully
Suicide is a topic no one wants to think about or talk about. Yet, According to the CDC (2016) it is the second cause of death of individuals age 10 – 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals ages 35 – 54 according to the CDC (2016). It is often described as a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
Males are three times as likely to commit suicide than females.
These statistics are precisely why we need to talk about it and take action to prevent it.
We can all help prevent suicide.
According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, there are steps anyone can take to prevent suicide.
- Provide support.
- Talk to loved ones, friends, neighbors and coworkers.
- Trust your instincts and check in on anyone you have concerns about.
- Reduce access to methods of self-harm.
- Believe someone if they make a self-harming statement
If a person you know indicates they are thinking of Suicide:
- Believe them and take action!
- Don’t leave them alone.
- Remove weapons, medications and other access to means
- Bring them to mental health services or emergency room
- If you are not local to the person, contact the nearest police department to the person, explain your concerns and request a welfare check.
- 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
Educate yourself to know the warning signs:
- Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
- Erratic Behavior
- Increased Alcohol or illicit Drug Use including Marijuana
- Looking online for ways of committing suicide
- Sleeping more or less than ususal
- A sudden mood change
- A change in appearance – not bathing or wearing dirty clothes
- Increased Anxiety or agitaton
- Any sudden change in attitude, behavior or outlook
To get help:
Call 911 to get immediate assistance
