Suicide is a tragedy that occurs far too often. Typically, suicide comes at the end of a long struggle with mental health issues, and it leaves the person’s friends and family devastated. There are a variety of ways that people can help prevent suicide in their communities, and National Suicide Prevention Week is a time to raise awareness of potential suicide prevention measures.
In this article, we discuss how one can recognize warning signs that a person is at risk of suicide, and we also discuss how one can support an at-risk person. We also share ways that people can participate in National Suicide Week, even while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Lastly, we discuss mental health treatment programs that may help prevent suicide among people who struggle with mental health conditions.
Recognizing warning signs of an at-risk person
One of the first steps towards helping prevent suicide is noticing when a person is at risk. If one can recognize when a person is at risk of suicide, they can offer support to the at-risk individual. Some potential warning signs of a person being at risk for suicide include:
- The person exhibits mood swings, increased irritability, and sudden changes to their sleeping patterns. These changes may indicate that the person is suffering from depression or other mental health conditions, which can lead to suicide.
- The person engages in risky or self-destructive behavior repeatedly. Such behavior may include substance abuse or activity that puts one’s life in danger.
- The person talks about death repeatedly and seems focused on the topic of death. While the person may talk about death in a joking manner, this activity may still be a significant warning sign.
If you notice that a friend or a loved one exhibits one or more suicide warning signs, you should take those warning signs seriously. To help, reach out to that person privately and ask how they are doing. Offering to talk can provide tremendous support and relief to the at-risk person, and you can help direct them to support resources and mental health professionals.
One resource to remember is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. If you or anyone you know appears to be at risk of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The person can speak with a trained professional who can listen to the individual’s needs, provide support, and guide the person on what to do next.
While the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is helpful for many people, some situations require immediate intervention. If a person appears to be at immediate risk of hurting themselves or others, do not hesitate to call 911. First responders can provide the immediate in-person assistance that is necessary for certain situations.
Ways to participate in National Suicide Prevention Week
National Suicide Prevention Week occurs each September, starting on September 6th. The week encompasses World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th and ends on September 12th. During the week, mental health advocates and organizations show their commitment to helping prevent the tragedy of suicide in their communities.
Due to social distancing guidelines, many organizations have canceled events for National Suicide Prevention Week 2020. However, it is still possible for one to take an active role in National Suicide Prevention Week this year. One way to participate is by taking part in one of the week’s many social media campaigns. To take part, one can raise awareness of suicide prevention resources by sharing pre-made social media graphics and images with their friends and followers. Check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s pre-made suicide awareness content here.
Another way to participate is by reaching out to friends and family and checking in on their well being. Sometimes, it can be challenging for people who struggle with mental health and who may be at risk of suicide to ask for help. Reaching out to your friends and loved ones and letting them know that you are there for them can help provide the support they need. If someone in your circle may be at risk of suicide, you can follow the #BeThe1To campaign’s five actions for suicide prevention: ask, be there, keep them safe, help them connect, and follow up. Learn more about the #BeThe1To campaign’s five actions for suicide prevention here.
How Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital Can Help
As mentioned, suicide often occurs after a prolonged struggle with mental health problems. The person may feel overwhelmed by their mental health condition, and they may incorrectly think that suicide is the only way out of their situation. At Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, we understand that mental health conditions can seem unmanageable, and our focus is to provide the support and treatment that at-risk individuals need.
We offer a range of mental health treatment programs for adults in the Dallas area, including inpatient psychiatric programs and intensive outpatient care programs. We also provide a range of mental health programs for adolescents and treatment programs for children. With the correct treatment, our caring clinical professionals can help reduce the risk of suicide and help individuals get in control of their mental health.
To get started at Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, contact our team at (972) 982-0897. We can help you determine if our behavioral health hospital is right for you or a loved one who may be at risk of suicide.