September is Suicide Prevention Month
posted Tuesday, Sep 10, 2019
According to the Delaware Suicide Prevention Coalition, someone dies by suicide about every 3.5 days in Delaware.
The most recent CDC report shows that
- 45K. Nearly 45,000 lives were lost to suicide in 2016
- 30% Suicide rates went up more than 30% in half of states since 1999.
- 54% More than half of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental condition.
What are some ways you can help prevent suicide and help spread awareness?
Know the 12 Suicide WARNING SIGNS
- Feeling like a burden
- Being isolated
- Increased anxiety
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Increased substance use
- Looking for a way to access lethal means
- Increased anger or rage
- Extreme mood swings
- Expressing hopelessness
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Talking or posting about wanting to die
- Making plans for suicide
What can you do?
- Ask someone you are worried about if they’re thinking about suicide.
- Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal means for those at risk.
- Be there with them. Listen to what they need.
- Help them connect with ongoing support like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), Contact Lifeline at 1-800-262-9800, or text DE to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
- Follow up to see how they’re doing.
We hope that you will join us this month as we continue to spread and increase public awareness of suicide.
If you feel like you or someone you know needs to speak with a trained mental health professional please contact our Counseling Center at 302-422-8026 to schedule an appointment.
