September was National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Just because September is over does not mean the conversation is over!
Suicide and suicidal ideation is a worldwide epidemic that affects a large number of young people and adults daily. Suicide does not only hurt one person — it also affects family, friends, acquaintances, and people whose names you might not even know.
Suicide prevention is the responsibility of all people. There are many warning signs present in suicidal individuals that, if noticed and acted upon early enough, can save their lives. The majority of people that are suicidal may show signs long before having suicidal thoughts. It is important to pay attention to your friends and family members and recognize changes in their behavior. The following are signs that you or your friend may need immediate help.
- Significant change in sleeping habits
- Feeling like life would be better off for everyone if you are no longer around
- No longer interested in friends or social activities
- Running away from home
- Feeling like the pressure of life is too much for you to handle
- Thinking or talking about death
- Feeling as if nothing will ever improve in your life
If you suspect someone you know to be suicidal or has expressed suicidal ideation, make sure to take the correct steps.
- Never leave someone who is actively suicidal alone, encourage them to keep talking
- If someone tells you they want to kill themselves take the threat seriously and reach out for help
- Tell a parent, teacher or someone you trust
- Contact Huckleberry House staff at 614-294-5553 (24/7)
- Contact The Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)
