National Suicide Awareness Week

Know the Warning Signs
 

September 6–12 is National Suicide Awareness Week, with Thursday, September 10 designated as World Suicide Prevention Day. According to theAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the week aims to inform the public on risk factors of suicide, warning signs, and ways to get help. The organization also has information on nationwide events, social campaigns, and walks in support of suicide prevention and awareness. 

Here is a list of suicide warning signs from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of suicide warning signs:

• A person who talks about killing himself, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped, or in unbearable pain, might be at risk.

• A person’s suicide risk is greater if he shows a new or increased behavior, especially if it is related to a painful event, loss, or change. These behaviors may include: Increased use of alcohol or drugs, looking for a way to kill himself, acting recklessly, withdrawing from activities, isolating from family and friends, sleeping too much or too little, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, giving away possessions, or aggression.

• Change in mood can also be sign, such as depression, loss of interest, rage, irritability, humiliation, or anxiety.  

 The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers a hotline: (800) 273-TALK (8255).  Or for more information visit: https://www.afsp.org/preventing-suicide/find-help

Photo: in a cold room II via photopin (license)