This week (September 5-11) is National Suicide Prevention Week, which is nestled in the middle of National Suicide Prevention Month (September). During this time we remind the folx in our lives that we’re there for them, to talk, to listen, to hold space for them. The following are skills and strategies, that we all can do, from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that can be done for any of our loved ones:
Ask
Studies show that folks who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
Be There
People are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgement.
Keep Them Safe
A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
Help People Stay Connected
Studies show that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
Follow Up
Studies have indicated that brief, low cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
Resources:
It can be difficult to remember or look up crisis numbers when you or a loved one is going through a crisis. Please, save these numbers, print them out, make them accessible to use when you need.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255 / 888-628-9454 (en Espanol)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7
Disaster Distress Helpline – 800-985-5990 (call or text)
The national Disaster Distress Helpline is available for anyone experiencing emotional #distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Available 24/7/365. disasterdistress.samhsa.gov
California Youth Crisis Line – 800-843-5200 (Call/Text)
A free 24/7 call/text crisis line for youth in families located in California. Their trained Crisis Counselors handle a wide array of issues that youth and families face and are able to connect folks to resources and services that are in their location.
The Trevor Project – 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
A national 24-hour, toll-free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.
Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860
Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.
