{Due to the very important nature of this topic Declan and Ellie story has been preempted. Their story will return the first Monday in October.}
September is National Suicide Awareness Month. National Suicide week this year is from Monday, September 6 through Sunday, September 12, with World Suicide Prevention Day being on September 10. Mental health is very important and the more we speak of mental health as well as suicide the more aware we all can be and we can save many lives.
Knowing some of the warning signs of suicide can be helpful. Here are some:
Closing out relationships
Giving away prized possessions
Talking about wanting to die
Searching online for a way to kill themselves, including searching for a place to buy a gun
Talking about revenge or showing rage
Talking about being a burden to other people
Increasing use of alcohol and drugs
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Acting anxious, agitated or behaving recklessly
Sleeping too much or not enough
Mood swings
Isolating themselves
From the Lifeline Center's webpage for suicide prevention, here are some tips on talking with and finding help for someone that may be in crisis:
Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.
Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
Don’t dare him or her to do it.
Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.
Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
Take action. Remove means, like weapons or pills.
Get help from people or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
The statistics regarding suicide are staggering. The stigma that surrounds suicide is paralyzing. The only way to help those feeling they have no other way out as well as those who have personally been affected by someone who has died from suicide is to talk about it, educate yourself and others, and take care of one another.
Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website to learn more. If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis use any of the links below:
Take care of one another.
Love Lots; Smile Often
MommaHattie