Every year in the month of September the CDC observes Suicide Prevention. Suicide is a serious mental health problem, we must all take a role to help prevent it. Suicide Prevention Month is a time for connection, and linking people to others in their community or to services that can create help to prevent suicide.
While anyone can experience suicide risk, some people can be more impacted than others. Mental illness isn’t the only cause – social factors like loneliness, grief, broken relationships, traumatic events, financial ruin, stress, and shame can be triggers. To combat suicide, it’s important to account for all its causes. The symptoms may be physical or emotional.
Here are some signs and symptoms to watch for:
- Disbelief
- Feelings of fear, shock, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
- Any sudden changes in a person’s behavior
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares, concentrating, and making decisions
- Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
Below are some healthy ways that you can help yourself:
- Take breaks from the news
- Take care of your body.
- Make time to unwind
- Talk to others
- Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations
- Avoid drugs and alcohol
- Recognize when you need more help
Here are some ways to help others:
- Maintain a normal routine
- Talk, listen, and encourage
- Watch
- Reassure
- Stay connected
Suicide is preventable and help is available. If you or someone you know needs help, Call or text #988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, to speak to a trained crisis counselor 24/7/365.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/resources/partner-toolkit.html
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/about/copingwith-stresstips.html/
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