With educating and empowering people to recognize early signs of mental health challenges, providing effective interventions during suicidal crises, and offering compassionate support after such tragic events.
Let’s Break the Trend
2.5
x
The national average for suicide deaths.
Help is available
There’s someone here for you,
day or night.
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
We might worry that saying the wrong thing will make it worse. So, we end up not saying anything – even though a few kind words can make the difference a person needs.
Help Someone Else
You could be the difference if you see or know someone struggling. It’s also important to take care of yourself when you are supporting someone through a difficult time.
Talking about suicide increases the chance a person will act on it.
Fact
Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication.
Fears shared are more likely to diminish.
The first step in encouraging a person with thoughts of suicide to live comes from talking about those feelings.
A simple inquiry about whether or not the person is intending to end their life can start the conversation.
However, talking about suicide should be carefully managed.
Myth
A person who talks about attempting suicide is probably just trying to get attention.
Fact
Two-thirds talked about their intentions before attempting suicide.
They are not crying wolf just to get attention.
They are reaching out for help because they are experiencing overwhelming emotional pain.
All suicidal statements should raise red flags, even if the person jokes about it.
If someone you know has mentioned the desire to die by suicide, take him/her seriously and act immediately.
Myth
Young people never think about suicide.
Fact
Suicide does occur among young people.
It is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24.
Sometimes children under 10 die by suicide.
One of the problems is that the young person may talk about it or threaten it but people don’t take it seriously.
Myth
There is really nothing you can do to help someone who is truly suicidal.
Fact
Most people who are suicidal do not want to die.
They are in psychological pain, and they want to stop the pain.
Many people who are suicidal do reach out for help.
More than half the victims of suicide seek medical attention in the months leading up to their death.
Myth
Suicide always occurs without any warning signs.
Fact
Nearly 80% plan their attempt in advance and give clues that it will happen.
You may not always see warning signs when someone is suicidal.
Any and all warning signs should be taken seriously.
Myth
Anyone who tries to kill oneself is crazy, irrational or insane.
Fact
Most people have fairly understandable reasons for feeling suicidal.
They may be upset, grief-stricken, depressed/despairing, responding to a trauma, or in overwhelming circumstances.
This does not mean they are irrational or experiencing a mental illness.
Anyone could attempt suicide.
Myth
People who attempt suicide are weak.
Fact
No, they are in psychological pain.
They may have a chemical imbalance in their brain.
The need help and a renewed sense of hope.
Myth
People who attempt suicide and survive will not attempt suicide again.
Fact
People who attempt suicide and survive often make additional attempts.
Myth
When people become suicidal, they will always be suicidal.
Fact
Suicidal impulses don’t last forever.
However, suicidal feelings can recur.
Myth
When people who are suicidal feel better, they are no longer suicidal.
Fact
A suicidal person may seem better, but have an attempt planned.
Often times, spirits lift once the person has made up their mind to complete suicide and they have their plan in place, almost as if a large burden has been lifted off of them.
Myth
There is little correlation between alcohol or drug abuse and suicide.
Fact
Drugs and alcohol increase the risk of suicide.
Drugs and alcohol decrease a person’s inhibitions and increase a person’s impulsivity, increasing a person’s risk of suicide.
Let’s Connect
Contact us
If you’d like to become an advocate or have any questions, please contact us below. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please call or text 988.
