September is National Suicide Prevention Month

If you would like to learn more about how to help those who are considering suicide, or if you are considering and would like someone to speak with you can call the 24/7 hotline 1-800-273-8255.

Photo Courtesy of National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

(undated) - The month of September is National Suicide Prevention Month, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, is a leader in suicide prevention and mental health crisis care. 

Since its inception, the Lifeline has engaged in a variety of initiatives to improve crisis services and advance suicide prevention for all. It is important to know the risk factors.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline is urging residents to know the risk factors that make it more likely for someone to consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can't cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they're important to be aware of.

Risk Factors include things like:

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse, and more

It is also important to know the warning signs. Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially is the behavior is new, seems related to a painful loss, or has increased.

• If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline:
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

If you would like to learn more about how to help those who are considering suicide, or if you are considering and would like someone to speak with you can call the 24/7 hotline 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.