Suicide Prevention Information
SUICIDE PREVENTION
There is no single cause of suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed the current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition.
Warning Signs – Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by talking to an adult or calling the Lifeline.
There is no single cause of suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed the current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition.
Warning Signs – Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by talking to an adult or calling the Lifeline.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
Risk Factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they’re important to be aware of.
- Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- History of trauma or abuse
- Major physical illnesses
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- Family history of suicide
- Job or financial loss
- Loss of relationship(s)
- Easy access to lethal means
- Local clusters of suicide
- Lack of social support and sense of isolation
- Stigma associated with asking for help
- Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
Protective Factors are the positive conditions, personal and social resources that promote well-being and reduce the potential for youth suicide as well as other related high-risk behaviors. The following actions decrease risk factors and promote resiliency.
- Connections and contact with a caring adult
- A sense of connection or participation in school, whether activities or a social group
- Positive self-esteem and coping skills
- Access to and care for mental/physical/substance abuse disorders
- Decision making skills
- Positive relationship with peers
- Emotional and behavioral management
- Conflict resolutions skills
RESOURCES:
For urgent assistance immediately contact 9-1-1
For urgent assistance immediately contact 9-1-1
- Lawrence County Crisis Line – 724.652.9000
- Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Lifeline – Textline TEXT – TALK to 741-741