September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness, shift public perception, share vital information, and hope to those affected by suicide. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help.
Suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition - 46% of those who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. It is especially dangerous among youth - suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among those ages 15-24 in the U.S.
YOU can play an important role in the prevention effort by familiarizing yourself with the warning signs, taking them seriously, and knowing how to respond to them. Warning signs of suicide include:
* Talking about suicide
* Seeking access to guns, pills, etc.
* Having a preoccupation with death
* Sudden mood swings or personality changes
* Hopelessness
* Self-loathing or hatred
* Neglecting appearance
* Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
* Saying goodbye
* Withdrawal
* Self-destructive behavior
Suicide prevention resources are available including the FREE 988
SUICIDE and CRISIS LINE which provides 24-hour confidential support to
anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 9-8-8 to
connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available via live
chat.
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/common-with-mental-illness/risk-of-suicide/
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