September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. At BFHP we serve the most vulnerable populations in our communities, including people experiencing homelessness, Veterans, and LGBTQAI+ individuals, which are often disproportionately affected by this tragic and complicated public health issue.
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Signs of someone that may be considering suicide are:
Appearing sad or depressed most of the time
Feelings hopeless, like there is no way out
Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
Feeling like there is no purpose to life
Feelings of anger or rage
Doing risky activities without thinking
Increased alcohol or drug use
Withdrawing from family and friends
If you notice any signs of concerning behavior here are some things you can do to help
Start a conversation: Mention the signs that made you to talk to them. Stay calm and let the person know you want to help them. Don’t leave the person alone.
Listen, express concern and reassure the individual: Let the person know you care and that you take the situation seriously. Letting the person know you care will go a long way in establishing a support system.
Create a safety plan: Ask the person if they have access to anything that could harm them and call for help if you feel the situation is dangerous.
Get the individual help: Provide resources for the individual. Or if you feel the situation is severe, take the individual to the closest emergency room or seek help from a professional immediately.