Today, is World Suicide Prevention Day, Monday, September 10, 2018
Recently suicide touched my life. My cousin killed himself in June and one of my dearest friends son died by suicide recently. You never think that this would ever happen to a love one, your child, family member or friend.
My friend asked me to write a blog post about suicide awareness, the aftermath of the suicide and to address the importance to recognize risk factors and warning signs. If you are contemplating suicide please seek help from suicide prevention experts like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).
Suicide leaves deep wounds that won’t heal. The people who love you don’t forget and the hurt will be there for the rest of their lives. It is a constant memory and causes a lot of questioning of why. The love ones may blame themselves thinking they could have prevented it. The sorrow that never ends. The memory of the event doesn’t go away. The deep grieving emotions keep coming back over and over again. What happened doesn’t make sense. The people left behind are devastated. Living with this is like having a piece of your heart ripped out of your chest that won’t heal.
Suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, suicide eliminates the possibility of it ever getting better. ~ Unknown
Support Group’s Can Help After Suicide – Due to the nature of suicide it is important to share it with others who have been through it. A survivor’s support group offers a place to be understood and accepted. It can be an extremely helpful tool for healing and going on.
We Can All Prevent Suicide by knowing the risk factors and warning signs.
Risk Factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. These can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they are important to be aware of.
- Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- Hopelessness, feelings of no reason to live
- Depression
- 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, isolation and social withdrawal
- Stigma associated with asking for help
- Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
Warning Signs – Being aware of some of the 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 warning signs, please seek help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves, communicating suicide intent or plan
- 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
- Making final arrangements (wills, notes, giving away personal things etc.
Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone approach them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal ideation. Talking with someone about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. With awareness we can all come together to help prevent suicide.
- Ask how they are feeling
- Let them know you care about them
- Let them know there is help available
You never forget a person who came to you with a torch in the dark. ~ M. Rose
For immediate help, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and talk with a trained counselor at National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.
This week September 9 – 15, 2018 is National Suicide Prevention Week surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day to share resources, stories and promote suicide prevention awareness.
Hashtag – #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope.
Hashtag – #WSPD2018 – World Suicide Prevention Day 2018
Hashtag – #YouCanTalk – is a campaign encouraging people to discuss suicidal thoughts openly.
Encouraging comments are always welcome and please share this post with your colleagues, friends, and family on your social networks! Sharing is caring and this post may save a life!