Suicide Prevention and Facts
Part 1 of 3
Suicide affects everyone, teens, adults, elderly, and our veterans. There is no single cause for suicide but the risk of suicide often rises during holidays. You could simply help a person by recognizing the warning signs and talking to the person or family member. Not all potential victims ask for help. Here are some warning signs that might help you identify those needing help. If a person talks about killing themselves or felling trapped. If they say they are a burden to others or have no reason to live. They could also tell you they are experiencing unbearable pain.
Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide. If depression is undiagnosed or untreated it can create an increase risk for suicide. Look for a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want help to stop the pain maybe from a recent loss or issue that arises and feel there is no way out besides death.
Hopelessness, dramatic mood swings, or sudden personality changes is other factors to watch for. Common signs in suicides could possibly include an increased use of alcohol or drugs, aggression or even sleeping too much, acting recklessly and giving away person prized possessions, and lastly visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
Stressful life events like a death, divorce, or job loss or long term harassment, bullying, relationship problems, and unemployment could also cause a person to cry out for help and attempt suicide.
Here are some great organizations to reach out to for help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Suicide prevention telephone hotline funded by the U.S. government. Provides free, 24-hour assistance. 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
National Hopeline Network – Toll-free telephone number offering 24-hour suicide crisis support. 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433). (National Hopeline Network)
The Trevor Project – Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Includes a 24/7 hotline: 1-866-488-7386.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – Free, confidential 24/7 helpline information service for substance abuse and mental health treatment referral. 1-800-662-HELP (4357). (SAHMSA)
txt4life – Suicide prevention resource for residents of Minnesota. Text the word “LIFE” to 61222 to be connected to a trained counselor. (txt4life.org)
The above information is intended for information purposes only and not for legal advice. For legal advice, consult an attorney. Questions can be submitted to bguidroz@slpsheriff.com
