Suicide Awareness
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24. We don’t know how the pandemic will affect suicide rates, but we do know that the continued adjustments and changes related to COVID have been hard on everyone. Most people, youth and adults, have experienced additional stress in their lives during this time. The increased stress can make us all more vulnerable to depression or other mental health struggles.
We are here to help if you or a friend are ever struggling!
If a person talks about:
- Killing themselves
- Feeling hopeless
- Having no reason to live
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss, or change:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
- Fatigue
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest
- Irritability
- Humiliation/Shame
- Agitation/Anger
- Relief/Sudden Improvement
Source: ASFP.ORG
While there is no single cause for suicide, there are risk factors and warning signs which may increase likelihood of an attempt. Learning them can save lives.
If you are concerned that a friend may be thinking about suicide, you can help!
- Listen to your friend. Do NOT give advice, just listen to what they have to say. Avoid distractions and focus on your friend.
- Ask if they are thinking about suicide.
- If your friend says "yes", take them seriously. Do not leave them alone.
- This cannot be kept a secret. Take your friend to get help.
There are many people you can talk to if you or a friend are ever thinking about suicide!
- Teachers
- Counselors
- School Social Workers
- Administrators
- Coaches
- Paras
- TRUSTED ADULT
- Parents
- Police
- Doctor
- Clergy (Pastor, Priest, Youth Group Leader)
- Therapist
- Extended (adult) family members
- Suicide hotline (1-800-273-8255)
- Suicide Text Line (Text HELP to 271-271)
