September Is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
As we enter September, a month dedicated to suicide prevention and awareness, it’s an important time to reflect on the significance of mental health and the role we can all play in supporting one another. At Exemplar Care, our mission is to provide accessible, personalized, compassionate care to our community, and part of that commitment includes raising awareness about serious mental health concerns, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Understanding the Warning Signs
Suicide is a complex and sensitive topic, but it’s also preventable. Recognizing the warning signs is a key step in saving lives. By staying informed, we can help those around us who may be struggling.
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), there are several warning signs that someone may be considering suicide:
- Talking About Wanting to Die or Hurt Themselves: If someone is vocalizing thoughts about death or suicide, it’s important to take them seriously.
- Looking for a Way to Kill Themselves: This can include searching for methods online or gathering items that could be used in a suicide attempt, such as weapons or medications.
- Talking About Having No Reason to Live: Expressions of hopelessness or a belief that life is not worth living are red flags.
- Talking About Feeling Trapped or in Unbearable Pain: Emotional pain can be as intense as physical pain. If someone feels trapped in their situation, it may lead them to consider suicide as a way out.
- Increasing the Use of Alcohol or Drugs: Substance abuse can be both a sign and a risk factor for suicide. It can impair judgment and increase impulsivity.
- Withdrawing from Friends, Family, and Society: A person who is considering suicide may start to isolate themselves, pulling away from social interactions and activities they once enjoyed.
- Displaying Extreme Mood Swings: Sudden changes in mood, especially when shifting from deep sadness to an apparent calm, can be a warning sign that someone has decided to attempt suicide.
These signs, highlighted by the SPRC, provide critical insight into what to watch for, but they are not exhaustive. Each person is different, and the presence of these signs doesn’t always mean someone will attempt suicide. However, they do indicate a need for immediate support and intervention.
What You Can Do to Help
If you notice any of these warning signs in someone you know, it’s important to act. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers practical steps you can take:
- Ask Directly: Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide. Studies show that asking about suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk but can be a crucial step in providing help.
- Listen and Offer Support: Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is listen. Allow the person to talk about their feelings without judgment. Offer reassurance and express your concern.
- Encourage Them to Seek Professional Help: Urge them to speak with a mental health professional or a trusted healthcare provider. At Exemplar Care, we are here to help, offering confidential and compassionate care.
- Stay Connected: Follow up with the person after your initial conversation. Staying in touch can make a huge difference in helping them feel supported and less alone.
- Help Keep Them Safe: If possible, remove any items that the person could use to harm themselves, such as firearms or medications.
The Role of Community
At Exemplar Care, we believe in the power of community. By coming together, we can provide support to those in need and help prevent suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is always help available, and no one should face these challenges alone.
As we observe Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, let’s commit to educating ourselves, recognizing the signs, and supporting each other. Together, we can make a difference.
If you recognize these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it’s essential to seek help right away, especially if the behavior is new or has recently intensified.
Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org/
Text “HELLO” to 741741
