September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, promoting suicide prevention information and resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults, and the second leading cause of death in ages 10-24. Sadly, suicide rates are rising in the U.S.
There are number of local and national resources (listed below) that provide information and guidance. Please take a moment to get to know the warning signs and what to do if someone might be thinking about suicide.
Common suicide warning signs:
Talk
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Experiencing unbearable pain
- Having no reason to live
- Talk about killing themselves
Behavior
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means
- Acting recklessly
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
Mood
- Depression
- Loss of interest
- Rage
- Irritability
- Humiliation
- Anxiety
What to do:
- Listen to the person, do not judge, and show you care.
- Talk openly about suicide. Ask the person directly, “Are you are thinking about suicide?”
- Always take suicidal comments very seriously.
- Get help immediately. This point cannot be overemphasized; a person who is suicidal needs immediate professional help.
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Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger of hurting himself/herself.
- (520) 322-600 – Tucson Community-Wide Crisis Line
- 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273–8255) – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) – Treatment Advocacy Center
- 1-877-Youthline (1-800-968-8454) Youth America Hotline
If it is safe, you can take the person to the nearest emergency department.
The Crisis Response Center (CRC) is a resource located at 2802 E. District St. in Tucson.
Information Resources:
Suicide Prevention Alliance of Southern Arizona
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
American Academy of Suicidology
NAMI – Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – NAMI of Southern Arizona
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) -Suicide Prevention
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