September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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 10^th 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.
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