Suicide Prevention Week

Next week is “National Suicide Prevention Week” so I thought I’d post the “Suicide Warning Signs” from SAMHSA.

Last year Lake County had 67 individuals die by suicide (up 46% from the year before) and this year looks to be in the same range as 2008.

For folks that you think might be at risk of taking their own life, talk to them, suggest help, push them to get help. That will not push them toward suicide, but may help them to see that there are other options. Empathy expressed can be a useful tool to prevent suicide.

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:

Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself

Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means

Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person

Feeling hopeless

Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge

Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities—seemingly without thinking

Feeling trapped—like there’s no way out

Increasing alcohol or drug use

Withdrawing from friends, family, and society

Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time

Experiencing dramatic mood changes

Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life