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Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an
important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and
change the conversation around suicide. We Believe:
Hope Can Happen
Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting the
conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can
prevent suicides and save lives.
We Can All Take
Action
Evidence shows that providing support services,
talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up
with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.
Crisis Centers
are Critical
By offering immediate counseling to everyone that may
need it, local crisis centers provide invaluable support at critical times and
connect individuals to local services.
Know the Risk Factors
Risk factors are characteristics that make it more
likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can't cause
or predict a suicide attempt, but they're important to be aware of.
·
Mental disorders,
particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders,
and
certain personality disorders
·
Alcohol and other
substance use disorders
·
Hopelessness
·
Impulsive and/or
aggressive tendencies
·
History of trauma or
abuse
·
Major physical
illnesses
·
Previous suicide
attempt(s)
·
Family history of
suicide
·
Job or financial loss
·
Loss of relationship(s)
·
Easy access to lethal
means
·
Local clusters of
suicide
·
Lack of social support
and sense of isolation
·
Stigma associated with
asking for help
·
Lack of healthcare,
especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
·
Cultural and religious
beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution
of a
personal dilemma
·
Exposure to others who
have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and
Internet)
Know the Warning Signs
Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved
one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or
seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know
exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.
·
Talking about wanting
to die or to kill themselves
·
Looking for a way to
kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
·
Talking about feeling
hopeless or having no reason to live
·
Talking about feeling
trapped or in unbearable pain
·
Talking about being a
burden to others
·
Increasing the use of
alcohol or drugs
·
Acting anxious or
agitated; behaving recklessly
·
Sleeping too little or
too much
·
Withdrawing or
isolating themselves
·
Showing rage or talking
about seeking revenge
·
Extreme mood swings
Get in touch
Call the Lifeline Anytime, 24/7
1-800-273-8255
Read Stories Of Hope & Recovery
Get stories from people who have been through a crisis
and found hope.
READ NOW
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