Preventing Suicide Awareness

Suicide is often a result of ongoing depression and a response to troublesome thoughts and feelings that have been happening for some time. There may be a "final straw" in terms of a bad event or circumstance that pushes a person with suicide thoughts to act, but hurting oneself is most often the result of many emotional health problems that have been building up over time, rather than a single issue or event.

Talking about committing suicide will NOT make someone more likely to do it. Studies show that talking to people who are having thoughts of suicide does not push them to act or strengthen their intentions. Talking is much more likely to be the start of a person facing their problems and getting help.

Suicide is a significant risk for teens. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24 and among children ages 10 to 14.

Giving away important personal possessions and withdrawing from family and friends are two signs that a person might be considering hurting themselves. Most people will show warning signs of their intention to hurt themselves. These are just two of the warning signs to look for to help you spot someone who may need help.

These things can make suicide more likely: having access to a gun or other weapon; using alcohol or other drugs; and coping with ongoing depression. Having access to a gun or other weapon, using alcohol or other drugs or coping with ongoing depression can make it more likely that a person with suicide thoughts will take action. These are all factors that negatively influence a person's ability to reason, deal with troublesome feelings or maintain supportive relationships with important people in their lives.

Here is a BIG MYTH: People who are going to hurt themselves are going to do it no matter what, so there’s no point telling anyone else if you think someone might commit suicide. The reality is your intervention can make a difference. Suicide thoughts must be taken seriously, and they won’t just go away. But people who are having suicide thoughts can get better with professional help. This is why it’s very important to tell a trusted adult if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, or you see warning signs that make you worry about yourself or a friend.

Suicide is a serious issue that can affect anyone, and it's crucial to understand the warning signs and take them seriously.

People who think about suicide often feel overwhelmed and hopeless due to intense emotional pain. Their actions are not about ending their lives but finding relief from the suffering they experience.

People contemplating suicide might test whether someone cares enough to intervene by expressing suicidal thoughts. This is a call for help and indicates a deep need for support.

People who feel overwhelmed and hopeless might benefit from learning coping mechanisms to manage their emotions effectively. These strategies empower individuals to bounce back from difficult situations.

Suicide is not a result of a single event but arises from a combination of factors and ongoing struggles. It's essential to remember that multiple factors contribute to suicidal thoughts and actions.

Comments about suicide, even if made jokingly or casually, should be considered serious. These expressions might indicate a need for support or ongoing struggles.

It's essential to confront sensitive topics like suicide openly rather than avoiding them. Having open conversations and providing support can significantly reduce the risk of suicidal actions.

Many people who commit suicide have indicated their intentions verbally or through direct communication. These signals should never be ignored.

Thoughts of harming oneself or ending one's life.

Signs that someone may be considering suicide, such as changes in behavior, mood, or talk about death or self-harm.

The process of experiencing emotional pain after losing someone or something significant.

A range of responses to grief, including sadness, anger, guilt, and denial.

The emotional journey of coping with grief, characterized by stages that individuals may experience in a unique order and timeframe.

Help that provides support and guidance in dealing with grief and loss.

Seeking help from professionals or resources specialized in suicide prevention.

The capacity to understand and share the feelings of others, especially those who are grieving.

Each person's experience of grief is unique, with varied emotions and timelines.

A common reaction to grief involves bouncing back and forth between different emotions, such as sadness, anger, and acceptance.

Engaging in healthy practices like exercise, sleep, and healthy eating can help manage the physical and emotional challenges of grief.

Finding creative ways to express your feelings can be a valuable tool for processing grief, such as journaling, painting, or music.

Allowing yourself to experience grief without judgment or pressure to conform to others' expectations.

Maintaining a regular routine, even after a loss, can provide structure and support during a difficult time.

Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can offer comfort and understanding during your grieving journey.

A state of being overwhelmed and confused by a loss or death, often accompanied by difficulty accepting the reality of the situation.

Feeling immense sadness and emotional pain due to a loss. This can be accompanied by guilt, regret, and despair.

The strong emotional response to a loss, often including anger, blame, questions, and bargaining. This can be directed towards oneself, others, or the situation itself.

The period of ongoing sadness and mourning after the initial intense emotions have subsided. It involves accepting the finality of the loss and dealing with the emptiness and longing.

The process of coming to terms with a loss, accepting the reality of the situation, and adapting to life without the lost person or thing.

A period after a loss where an individual may experience a range of feelings and behaviors in response to the loss.

The idea that there are distinct stages in the grieving process, such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This model may not be universally applicable to all grievers.

Sharing memories of the deceased person can be a very comforting and healing experience during a funeral or memorial service.

Talking about your feelings is a crucial part of the grief process. Sharing your emotions with someone you trust, or even seeking professional help, can aid in coping with the loss.

Unhealthy ways of dealing with grief can harm yourself or others, and lead to more problems. Avoid bottling up your feelings, acting out in anger, or using drugs or alcohol to escape.

Healthy ways to cope with grief enable people to work through their emotions without causing harm to themselves or others. It can involve expressing feelings without using destructive behaviors.

When someone is grieving, it's important to acknowledge the situation, express concern, and be real in your support. Offer practical help and be a listening ear.

Everyone grieves differently. Some people need to talk, while others prefer solitude. Respect their needs and offer support without judgment.

Acknowledge their loss, express your concern and don't be afraid to communicate your support. Even saying you don't know what to say is better than saying nothing.