Thread by @Lady_Star_Gem

Suicidal thoughts like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age/gender/background.
Suicide is often result of untreated mental health condition.
Suicidal thoughts although common shouldn't be considered normal, often indicate more serious issues.
THREAD
#WSPD

Each year 41000+ individuals die by suicide, leaving behind friends & family members to navigate tragedy of loss.
Friends & families affected by a suicide loss, called suicide loss survivors are left in the dark.
Often feelings of shame & stigma prevent them from talking openly.

We can help prevent suicide

Understanding the issues concerning suicide & mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, change the conversation around suicide.

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Know the Risk Factors

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt or die by suicide.
They can't cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they're important to be aware of.

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Risk Factors:

•Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders & certain personality disorders

•Alcohol, other substance use disorders

•Hopelessness

•Impulsive/aggressive tendencies

•History of trauma or abuse

•Major physical illnesses

Continued

•Previous suicide attempt(s)

•Family history of suicide

•Job or financial loss

•Loss of relationship(s)

•Easy access to lethal means

•Local clusters of suicide

•Lack of social support and sense of isolation

•Stigma associated with asking for help

#WSPD

Continued

•Lack of healthcare, mental health, substance abuse treatment

•Cultural & religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

•Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life, via the media & Internet)

#WSPD

Know the Warning Signs

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved 1 is at risk of suicide, especially if the behavior is new, increased, seems related to painful event, loss, change.
If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling Lifeline.
#WSPD

Warning Signs:

•Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves

•Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

•Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

•Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

#WSPD2018

Continued

•Talking about being a burden to others

•Increasing use of alcohol/drugs

•Acting anxious, agitated; behaving recklessly

•Sleeping too little/too much

•Withdrawing/isolating themselves

•Showing rage, talkin about seeking revenge

•Extreme mood swings

#WSPD

A crisis plan is a document that contains important info, outlines how to respond to crisis situation.
Many healthcare providers require patients to create crisis plan that include:

•Phone numbers of mental health professions, family members, friends

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Continued

•List of current prescription meds, doses, diagnosis

•Any history of suicide attempts, psychosis or drug use history

•Triggers & coping mechanisms that have helped in the past

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay

In A Crisis:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline—800-273-TALK (8255)
@800273TALK

Crisis Text Line—Text NAMI to 741-741
@NAMICommunicate

National Domestic Violence Hotline—Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)
@ndvh

National Sexual Assault Hotline—Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
@RAINN

#WSPD

This is near & dear to my heart, because I have a few loved ones who have attempted suicide, many times.

It's heartbreaking, all you can do is be there for your friend or loved one who is having a rough time, reach out, most of the time they won't.

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay