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Suicide prevention training is vital in the efforts to reduce and hopefully eliminate deaths by suicide. Suicide prevention resources can be found virtually everywhere. The more you know, the more you can do to help. If everyone can be a warrior against suicide, we can end the suffering of many people. It starts with you The Youth Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 2019 revealed that 18.8% of high school age youth have seriously considered suicide, and 8.9% attempted it. The only way to lessen these numbers is to join together to create an environment that fosters the eradication of deaths by suicide. Things you need to know: - How to spot someone who is suicidal
- How to talk about suicide, depression, mental health, and anxiety properly
- The proper resources to seek help
- Ways you can help a person
It all starts with you, but it takes everyone to prevent suicide. Look online to find videos, webinars, articles, and more educational material on suicide prevention and signs — educate yourself. Always be aware of the feelings and actions of those around you. Be available to talk to. Be kind, helpful, and respectful to everyone — bullying and the feeling of being unloved or unwanted is a major cause of suicide. What are the signs Sometimes there are no signs that a person may be suicidal until it’s too late. One of the most famous examples of this tragedy is the death of Robin Williams. A suicidal person may appear to always be happy. They may be constantly trying to make others laugh or be impressed. Robin Williams spent his entire life making millions of people laugh, filling homes and hearts with happiness. Anyone that worked with him or knew him, on a personal level, would say he always seemed happy. One of his wives went so far as to say they couldn’t even have an argument without him cracking a joke. A person who is suicidal may show other signs that you will have to watch closely for. Some signs of suicidal thoughts are: - Changes in their sleeping or eating habits
- Giving away prized items or making funeral arrangements
- Telling people goodbye as if they won’t see them again
- Drug or alcohol use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, school, work, or activities they love to do
- Noticeable change in appearance, attitude, or demeanor
Ways to get help Never leave a suicidal person alone, even to get help. Do not make any promises to keep their suicidal thoughts or attempts a secret. If you are a youth, urge or help the suicidal person find a trusted adult to talk to. Suggest that the person seek professional help from a therapist, doctor, or suicide prevention charity. Have them call or text the national suicide hotline at 988. Suicide can be 100% prevented if we all band together to keep each other safe. We can all help prevent suicide by seeking out suicide prevention training. Every person should be familiar with the suicide prevention resources they can use. Together, we can keep suicide at bay, reduce its risks, and eradicate it entirely.
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