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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) 

Thinking Man on Couch
A girl feeling sad
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) 

  1. Ask directly about their suicidal thoughts; ask if they have a plan.

  2. Do not avoid using the word “suicide”.

  3. Ask the question(s) without any negative judgment.

  4. Examples: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” or “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”

  5. Tell the person that you care and want to help.

  6. Express empathy.

  7. Clearly state that thoughts of suicide are often associated with a treatable mental disorder – to instill hope.

  8. Tell the person that thoughts of suicide are common and do not have to be acted on.

  9. Keep the person – and yourself – safe. 

  10. 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

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Dial or text 9-8-8 - 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

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