Suicide Prevention Awareness

Suicide can be prevented and the best way to do something is to know the warning signs. Signs should be taken seriously. Warning signs of suicide include:

• Hopelessness

• Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out

• Uncontrolled anger or rage

• Increased alcohol or drug use

• Risky behavior

• Withdrawing from friends, family and society

• Dramatic mood changes

• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping too much

• Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life

Get help IMMEDIATELY by contacting a mental health professional or calling 9-1-1 or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

Suicide is serious but preventable public health issue. In my personal life suicide has left harmful effets on many that I know. A young man took his life during his parents divorce period. This young man was a close friend of our own family.  My daughter also dated a young man in highschool that took his life. Nothing good ever comes from issues such as this, they leave the ones behind feeling hurt and in pain. that is why when we see the signs we should recognize and get help. 

Trivia:

suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for all ages in 2014

42,000 people took their own lives through suicide in 2014

469,000 were treated in U.S. emergency departments for self inflited injuries in 2014.

Suicide can and must be prevented. Help reduce harmful behaviors like drug abuse and social isolation, and increase positive ones like getting help and connecting with others.