September is National Suicide Prevention Month when people from all over tell their stories, help others, and raise awareness. The topic of suicide can be difficult to discuss, but it is crucial that individuals know how to prevent themselves or a loved one from getting hurt. The importance of suicide prevention is to recognize the signs, learn how to communicate, and ask for help.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, please know that you are important and worthy. Life is hard sometimes, but this too shall pass. Please ask someone for help. You aren’t burdening your friends, family, or a professional by asking for help. We want you to live. If you are uncomfortable speaking with someone that you know, get in contact with one of the suicide prevention hotlines listed at the end of this blog post. Someone is always there to help you when you need it.
When people are in pain or dealing with stress, it is not always apparent and can be disguised in different ways. If you or anyone you know is showing any signs of depression, try communicating with them or others to seek help. A few of the signs are listed below:
- Expressing Being a Burden to Others
- Always Feeling Alone
- Uncontrollable Anger Issues
- Constantly Talking Down on Themselves
- Increase in Drug Use or Alcohol
- Having Withdrawals
- Depression
- Family Violence
- Anxiousness or Agitation
Once the signs have become evident, the next step is to speak up and communicate to others what is going on. This step can be very challenging because it puts a lot of pressure on a person and it takes courage to say what needs to be said. This list will help create a safe conversation to get to the core of the problem.
- Sit down and give this person your undivided attention
- Start the conversation by referring to a sign you’ve noticed
- Ask them if they’re thinking about suicide (Be direct)
- DO NOT promise to keep this secret
- Consistently Check-In
- Create a plan moving forward
- Discuss Support Services
There are many different resources that help with Suicide Prevention. Below is a list of different contact information for help.
- VSU Counseling Center: 229-333-5940
- Georgia Crisis & Access Hotline: 1-800-715-4225
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)
- Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 (Trained Counselors Available 24/7)
- The TREVOR Project (For the LGBT community and questioning youth): 1-866-488-7386
If you or a loved one is in a dangerous situation and need Emergency help please dial 9-11 right away.
Written By: Kayla Pool
Sources:
https://www.suicideispreventable.org
https://www.georgetownbehavioral.com/node/2040
https://afsp.org/find-support/resources/
https://suicidology.org/resources/crisis-resources/
