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September is National Suicide Awareness Month

September 8, 2017  |  Coping, Counseling, Emotional wellbeing, Mental illness, Suicide awareness, Suicide prevention, Treatment

A guest blog post by Solutions Community Counseling staff

Why is this important? Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among US adults, and it is the 2nd leading cause of death for American teenagers. These numbers are scary, but suicide is preventable. Seeking support for mental health concerns, treating others with kindness, understanding, and respect, and advocating for mental health and suicide awareness are all things you can do to help prevent suicide.

Warning signs that a person may be suicidal include the following:

  • Threats or comments about ending one’s life
  • Mood swings
  • Aggression
  • Avoiding social situations
  • Reckless behavior
  • Increased substance use (drinking, smoking, illegal substances)
  • Putting affairs in order (saying goodbye, giving away personal items

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. You may see people on social media and throughout the community wearing purple and blue ribbons. These represent suicide awareness and prevention.  

If you are experiencing a crisis, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or the Toll-Free Crisis Line for Warren and Clinton Counties at 1-877-695-6333 (NEED). You can also text the Crisis Hotline at 741-741.