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September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. In the United States alone, a person dies by suicide every 16 minutes.
My life has been touched by suicide far too many times. If you are not already familiar with it, you can read my personal story HERE. If you wonder how a "sane" person could ever consider suicide as an option, read Lynn's story (Real Live Lesbian) HERE.
Most of us are familiar with the immediate warning signs for suicide:
We need to familiarize ourselves with the more subtle warning signs for suicide.
If you, or someone you know, is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8225)
What can you do today? Visit Take 5 To Save Lives and get involved and become informed.
My life has been touched by suicide far too many times. If you are not already familiar with it, you can read my personal story HERE. If you wonder how a "sane" person could ever consider suicide as an option, read Lynn's story (Real Live Lesbian) HERE.
Most of us are familiar with the immediate warning signs for suicide:
- Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself
- Someone looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
- Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
We need to familiarize ourselves with the more subtle warning signs for suicide.
- Hopelessness
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family and society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes
If you, or someone you know, is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8225)
What can you do today? Visit Take 5 To Save Lives and get involved and become informed.
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9 comments:
Fortunately, at this stage in my life, I don't know of anyone like that in life right now. But I sure as hell have in the past. Cheers Dana!!
Great post. Unfortunately this has touched my son's life way to much since starting High School.
This is a topic someone can not touch upon enough.
Great topic and one I worry about so much. I've had those hopeless feelings and was able to work through them. I worry about my children and my other friends and family who may not have the strength or support needed to overcome the hard times.
I still know quite a few people on this list. Its a tough world out there and more so because it usually is not very forgiving.....
Thanks Dana, for putting this out there. Yes, information and awareness is the key to helping others in this mode of crisis.
I have been very lucky so far and have not had that happen in my world.
Great reminder to look out for signs.
Thanks for mentioning this Dana. I lost a friend in HS to suicide and I saw the devastation of his family.
Good topic. I attended a workshop at my UU church on Friday, where they broke down the demographics on suicide. No age groups are immune anymore, even 5- to 9-year-olds are attempting and completing suicide at an increasing scale nowadays. The sad thing is, many who resort to suicide are not even thinking consciously about death, they're just desperate to end the pain. The best strategy is coming out and asking someone very directly if you suspect they are going down that path. There's a big difference between asking someone "Are you thinking about suicide?" and "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" It is also important to ask about more specific things, such as if they have a detailed plan in mind and if they have access to an implement such as a gun, knife or pills. The more detail they admit to, the more likely they are to follow through, and it is recommended that in such cases, you don't leave them alone but contact a professional immediately.
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