Suicide Prevention Week

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Suicide Prevention Week, September 6-12, 2009, is a good time to share some resources.

First, if you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a 24-hour hotline available free to all. If you are a veteran, please call this number and then press 1 to be routed to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline web site also has a great deal of information, including stories of hope, hope to get involved in suicide prevention, and tips on helping friends in suicidal crisis, both in person and online. Check out the Lifeline Gallery to share your story and help others connect to help and hope.

American Association of Suicidology has information for suicide loss survivors as well as suicide attempt survivors.

What Are The Warning Signs For Suicide?

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:

  • Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
  • Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
  • Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
  • Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities – seemingly without thinking
  • Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
  • Increasing alcohol or drug use
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
  • Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
  • Experiencing dramatic mood changes
  • Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life