Suicide Prevention: What You Can Do to Make a Difference

CARE’s September meeting topic was Suicide Prevention Month. Below are some of the speaking points from Tania Livingston, CARE Chair, and links for resources for you to look at in-depth. There is a presentation from our guest speakers from The Hub – Giovonna Mozzo and Kaitlin Comet.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in teens and adults. Each year, approximately 32,000 people die by suicide. We can prevent suicide; however, it needs to happen through awareness and action. To learn more about prevention and the early signs of detection, keep reading this blog.

Mental health disorders and substance use are the most significant risk factors for suicidal behaviors. In addition, environmental factors such as stressful life events or access to lethal means like firearms may increase one’s chances of attempting suicide or having had previous attempts.

Some of the early signs are:

Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or know someone who might be, please reach out to a friend or family member for help. Here are some resources below that can assist in your time of need:

Chat & Resource Information

Website

https://www.thehubct.org

https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/

https://www.ryasap.org

https://www.211.org/get-help/mental-health

https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/

https://sites.google.com/stratk12.org/familyhub

https://www.preventsuicidect.org/about-suicide/warning-signs/

https://afsp.org/story/if-someone-tells-you-they-re-thinking-about-suicide-a-realconvo-guide-from-afsp

Kaitlin Comet – kaitlin@ryasap.org