Suicide Awareness Month

September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to remember those who have lost their life to suicide, to the families impacted by suicide, to the communities affected by suicide, and to the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts .It is also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

Warning Signs

Suicide is very complex, and is derived from multiple combinations from several factors including mental illness, substance abuse/misuse, trauma, painful losses, social isolation, and exposure to violence. Take action if you notice these signs among a family member, friend, coworker, or neighbor. Suicide risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, and if it is related to a painful event, change, or loss.

Warning Signs for Youth

• Expressing hopelessness about the future

• Talking about or making plans for suicide

• Withdrawing from social connections or situations

• Displaying severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress

• Sleeping too little or too much ( Different than normal)

• Recent increased agitation or irritability

• Anger or hostility that seems out of context or character

• Cryptic postings on social media

Warning Signs for Adults

How You Can Help

Educate yourself about suicide prevention. Learn the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, how to support someone considering suicide, and familiarize yourself with the 988 Crisis Hotline.

988 is a hotline that someone who is feeling suicidal or someone who is with someone feeling suicidal can call day or night 365 days a year.