September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to honor the millions of people who have had suicidal thoughts, the many people who have been affected by suicide as well as the lives lost to suicide. Additionally, it’s a moment to spread hopeful messages and increase awareness of suicide prevention.
Suicide and Suicidal Behavior
Suicide is complicated and influenced by a number of interrelated factors, including substance abuse, mental illness, trauma, difficult losses, exposure to violence, and social isolation. Find more about the warning signs of adult and juvenile suicide.
Suicide is complicated and influenced by a number of interrelated factors, including substance abuse, mental illness, trauma, difficult losses, exposure to violence, and social isolation. If you see these symptoms in friends, family, coworkers, or neighbours, take action. A behavior’s risk of suicide increases if it is new or has grown, and if it appears connected to a traumatic experience, loss, or transition.
According to SAMHSA these are the signs for kids and adults
Suicide Warning 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
Suicide Warning 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 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
Preventing Suicide
Although it is not inevitable, suicide is a serious public health issue that destroys families and often entire communities. We can all do our part to stop suicide. Find out how you can contribute to suicide prevention by learning about the Federal Action Plan and the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
Everyone can contribute to the effort to prevent suicide. For example companies can encourage employees to use employee assistance programs, which offer mental health services and a nurturing, supportive environment for everyone, schools can establish suicide prevention programs that offer early intervention. In a similar vein, community centers can provide wellness-focused mental health support groups, and nearby companies can raise awareness of mental health issues by arming staff and clients with information.
Self care tips from survivors
- Take a 5-minute break in your day
- Write about something you are grateful for
- Create a happy playlist and a coping playlist
- Take your medication on time
Sit with your emotions, and allow yourself to feel and accept them
- Pamper yourself
- Treat yourself to a favorite snack
- Take yourself out to dinner
Need Help?
- If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
- To learn how to get support for mental health, drug, and alcohol issues, visit FindSupport.gov.
- To locate treatment facilities or providers, visit FindTreatment.gov
1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem each year, we can be there for that one person
REACH OUT. TALK. GET HELP. YOU MATTER. WE CARE. PEOPLE CARE. IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK
-Ellie<3
Ellie’s Hang out 
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