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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

Raising awareness about mental health and suicide can help reduce the stigma—one conversation can make a difference. Here are a few steps you can use to communicate with a family member, friend, roommate, or co-worker who may be struggling: 

  1. ASK: Start the conversation by asking questions like, “How are you hurting?” “How can I help?” or “Are you thinking about harming yourself or others?” Listen without judgement and show you care.
  2. BE THERE: Stay with the person or speak with them on the phone to show your support. Simply listening can help the person feel heard and cared for.
  3. KEEP THEM SAFE: If you’ve determined that suicide is an active concern, help establish immediate safety. 
  4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Explore resources and work together on developing a safety plan and a list of individuals they can contact if a crisis occurs.
  5. FOLLOW UP: Continue to check in with the person to increase feelings of connectedness. Leave messages, send texts, or set up time to “check in."

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.