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Suicide Prevention Awareness

The Safety of Our People Is Our Priority

Our goal is to raise awareness about the risks, warning signs, and steps you can take to help yourself or someone you care about if you are concerned about a potential suicide.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call/text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If there is danger of self-harm, call 911.

 

  • Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States.
  • Risk factors include:
    • Family history
    • Prior suicide attempt(s)
    • Alcohol or substance abuse
    • Mood and anxiety disorders
    • Personal loss or illness
    • Access to lethal means

Suicide risk is usually greater among people with more than one risk factor, and for those at risk of “triggering” event may make them more likely to attempt suicide.

Recognizing the signs is vital to prevention. 

The following signs may mean that someone is at an increased risk for suicide: 

  • Communicating suicidal thoughts 
  • Mentioning being a burden to others
  • Recent painful event, loss, change
  • Self-harm, withdrawal, isolation
  • Increase in alcohol/substance use
  • Depression, mood swings
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Rage, revenge
  • Expressing hopelessness
  • Reckless or extreme risk-taking

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) notes that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal thoughts or the occurrence of suicide. Acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce suicidal ideation. Below are five action steps you can use with a family member, friend, roommate, or co-worker who may be having suicidal thoughts.

  1. ASK: Ask if the person is thinking about suicide. Listen without judgment and show you care.
  2. BE THERE: Stay with the person, or make sure they are in a private secure place with another caring person, until you can get help.
  3. KEEP THEM SAFE: Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
  4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Explore resources and work together on developing a safety plan and list of individuals they can contact if a crisis occurs.
  5. FOLLOW UP: Continue to check in with the person. Leave messages, send texts, or set a time to call again and “check in”. This type of contact shows support and can increase their feelings of connectedness. 

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call/text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If there is danger of self-harm, call 911.

Did You Know...?

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Additional Resources

For more information, please refer to these additional suicide awareness resources provided by SupportLinc, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider. In addition to suicide awareness and prevention support resources, our EAP also provides support to those who have lost someone to suicide.