Suicide Awareness

If you or a friend are in immediate danger, call 9-8-8 or click here for more resources. You can also refer someone to the The CARE Team or Consultation, Assessment, Referral and Education team 

Awareness

We all experience feelings of loneliness, depression, helplessness and hopelessness from time to time. The death of a family member, the breakup of a relationship, blows to our self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness and/or major financial setbacks are serious problems which all of us may have to face at some point in our lives. Each person's emotional makeup is uniqu and each of us responds to situations differently.

In considering whether a person may be suicidal, it is imperative that the crisis be evaluated from that person's perspective. What may seem of minor importance to someone else, and an event that may be insignificant to you, can be extremely distressful to another. Regardless of the nature of the crisis, if a person feels overwhelmed, there is danger that suicide may seem an attractive solution.

Warning signs

80% of people who die from suicide give definite warnings signs. At least 70% of
all people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts give some clue as to their intentions before they make an attempt.

  • Talking about wanting to die
  • Talking about being a burden
  • Feeling hopeless or trapped
  • Feeling very lonely
  • Reckless behavior
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Changes from usual eating or sleeping
  • Sudden drastic change in behavior
  • Loss of interest in activities or relationships

Myths about suicide 

  • MYTH:  "You have to be crazy even to think about suicide."
  • FACT: Most people have thought about suicide from time to time. Most suicides and attempts are made by intelligent, temporarily confused individuals who are expecting too much of themselves, especially in the midst of a crisis.
  • MYTH: "Once a person has made a serious suicide attempt, that person is unlikely to make another."
  • FACT: The opposite is often true. People who have made prior attempts may be at greater risk of a death by suicide.
  • MYTH: "If a person is seriously considering suicide, there is nothing you can do."
  • FACT: Intervention can occur at any stage of a suicide cirsis. Knowing the warning signs and how to assess suicide risk in your peers can save a life.
  • MYTH: "Talking about suicide may give a person the idea."
  • FACT: Your openness and concern in asking about suicide will allow the person experiencing pain to talk about the problem which may help reduce anxiety. This may also allow the person with suicidal thoughts to feel less lonely or isolated.