Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention and Awareness

In the United States, each person’s death by suicide intimately affects at least 6 other people, with over 250,000 newly bereaved each year. Awareness and prevention can be achieved by knowing the signs and what to do when you are aware of someone affected by suicidal thoughts.

Signs (this is not a complete list of signs/symptoms of suicidal thoughts.) …

Talking about or threatening to kill self;
Sudden rejection of a loved one;
Feeling trapped;
Loss of interest in things once cared about;
Seeking access to firearms, collecting pills, or other means;
No reason for living;
Using/abusing alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
Dramatic mood changes;
Sense of worthlessness, hopelessness. or helplessness; or
Getting affairs in order, planning.

What you can do…

Ask… “Are you thinking about Suicide?”, “Have you ever wanted to stop living?”, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”, “Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?”
Listen to what the person is saying,
Ask them to seek help (Text “PA” to 741741 or call a crisis line, counselor, or some kind of professional),
Let them know you will be there until help arrives,
If they refuse, You can call 1-800- 784-2433, 1-800-273-8255 or 724-437-1003 for help.

Self Screening …

You can do a self-screening at https://findyourwords.org/self-care/depression-assessment-tool/

Fayette County Suicide Prevention Taskforce…

Our Goal is to increase the awareness and concern about suicide as community-wide, preventable health problem.

Who we are is an active group of clergy, community groups/agencies, elected officials, employers, health care providers, prison systems, residents. Schools and educators, and others that meet and discuss county wide issues with suicide and suicide ideation.

Our Vision is to promote awareness that suicide is preventable and to develop a broad-based, community wide support for present, and to work towards eliminating ignorance, indifference, insensitivity, and to reduce the stigma linked to suicide.

Our Vision

To promote awareness that suicide is preventable and to develop a broad-based, community-wide support for prevention;
To work towards eliminating ignorance, indifference, insensitivity, and to reduce the stigma linked to suicide.

Our Mission

To reduce the suffering associated with suicide and suicidal behaviors;
To offer information and education about suicide; and
To assure access to prevention, intervention and post-intervention programs

Take Action

If someone you know is displaying the warning signs of suicide, encourage the person to see a physician, call a mental health professional, or call the Local Crisis Hotline at 734-437-1003 and ask for help.

Early recognition of warning signs can improve the outcome of a suicide crisis and asking someone about the presence of suicidal thoughts and feelings opens up a conversation that may lead to a referral for help. You or they can also call the National Hopeline Network at 800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). Additionally, you can text PA to 741741 for help. If you know someone experiencing depression or extreme sadness, has withdrawn from family and friends or given away things of value, call one of the hotlines above.