9-8-8 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Suicide
Take it seriously – never leave the person alone, do not make any promises, get immediate help - dial 9-1-1 (Emergency) or 9-8-8 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
2nd
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people age 10-14
5,000
5,000 young people die by suicide in the United States each year; 12 per day
1 in 10
More than 1 in 10 children ages 3-17 - living in North Carolina had a diagnosis of depression or anxiety in 2020 – a 49% increase from 2016
What are some situations that could lead someone to consider suicide?
01
Past suicide attempts
02
Family history of death by suicide
03
Has a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia
04
Has a long-term or a disabling terminal illness
05
Has money or legal problems
06
Has a history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse; or neglect or bullying
07
Is socially isolated; lacks support systems
08
Lacks access to healthcare, including mental health/substance use treatment
09
Holds a cultural or religious belief that suicide is a noble option to resolving a personal dilemma
10
Awareness of increased number of local suicides; increase in media coverage of deaths by suicide
9-8-8 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
14 Suicide Warning Signs
If you Suspect Someone is Suicidal take it seriously – never leave the person alone, do not make any promises, get immediate help - dial 9-1-1 (Emergency) or 9-8-8 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
1
Threatening to hurt or kill him or herself
2
Looking for ways to kill him or herself such as searching online for methods
3
Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
4
Feelings of hopelessness
5
Rage, anger, aggression, seeking revenge
6
Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities without thinking
7
No reason for living, feeling no sense of purpose
8
Feeling trapped – like there is no “way out”
9
Feeling like a burden to others
10
Increased alcohol or drug use
11
Withdrawing from friends, family or society
12
Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
13
Dramatic changes in mood
14
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
9-8-8 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Do you Suspect Someone is Suicidal
If you Suspect Someone is Suicidal take it seriously – never leave the person alone, do not make any promises, get immediate help - dial 9-1-1 (Emergency) or 9-8-8 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
-
Ask directly about their suicidal thoughts; ask if they have a plan.
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Do not avoid using the word “suicide”.
-
Ask the question(s) without any negative judgment.
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Examples: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” or “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
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Tell the person that you care and want to help.
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Express empathy.
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Clearly state that thoughts of suicide are often associated with a treatable mental disorder – to instill hope.
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Tell the person that thoughts of suicide are common and do not have to be acted on.
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Keep the person – and yourself – safe.
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Has the person been using alcohol or drugs? Such use can make a person more susceptible to acting on impulse and put the person – and you – in danger.
NOTE: If you appear confident in the face of someone in crisis and having thoughts of suicide, this can be reassuring for the person who is suicidal.
Emergency
Dial 9-1-1 - 24/7
Mobile Crisis Management Services
866-275-9552 - 24/7
Partners Health Management Crisis Line
833-353-2093 - 24/7
The Trevor Project suicide helpline
For LGBTQ youth,
ages 13-24
Dial 1-866-488-7386 or
Text 678-678 – 24/7