Valley Trauma Center

Suicide Prevention Month

September 14, 2015

Suicide Prevention Month Deck Image

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Facts About Suicide

According to the Centers for Disease Control:

  • Over 38,000 Americans over the age of 18 die from suicide each year.
  • Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages.
  • There is one suicide for every 25 attempts.
  • There is a suicide in the U.S. every 13 minutes.

Warning Signs

Here are some things to look out for:

  • Disrupted sleep
  • Isolating self from friends and family
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Extreme self-hatred
  • Feelings of not belonging
  • Thinking of self as burden on others
  • Sudden mood changes
  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Talking about suicide or ways of killing oneself
  • Giving away personal belongings
  • Momentary happiness after long periods of sadness

Talking to a Person about Suicide

Talking to someone about suicide can seem very difficult; however, the best way to help is to speak up.

Ways to start a conversation about suicide:

  • I have been feeling concerned about you lately.
  • I have noticed some differences in you and want to see how you are doing.
  • I wanted to check in with you; it seems you haven't been yourself lately.

Questions you can ask:

  • When did you begin feeling like this?
  • Did something happen that made you start feeling this way?
  • How can I support you right now?
  • Have you thought about getting help?

What you can say to help:

  • You are not alone in this.  I'm here for you.
  • You may not believe it right now, but the way you are feeling right now will not last.  We can get through this together.
  • I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel right now, but I care about you and want to help.

Suicide Prevention Tips:

  1. Speak up if you're worried.  If you spot the warning signs of suicide, talk to that person immediately.
  2. Respond quickly in a crisis.  If you think someone you know is going to attempt suicide, call a local crisis line, dial 911, or take that person to an emergency room immediately.
  3. Offer help and support.  Encourage them to get professional help and to make positive lifestyle changes, make a safety plan in case of crisis and make sure to continue to support them for a long period of time.

Resources:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • National Hopeline Network
    1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
  • The Trevor Project - Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
    1-866-488-7386

Click the links below for this brochure in PDF form.
In English
In Spanish