September is Suicide Awareness Month and there are multiple ways to help spread awareness and help others who may be thinking of suicide. There are many reasons as to why someone would attempt suicide but there are resources for them to begin to change their mindset. Here are a few resources to spread suicide awareness and help give resources to others.
Reach out to Friends
The first thing you can do within your own social circle is to reach out to people you may know. There are probably people you know who are suffering from depression or thoughts of suicide that you may not even notice. Take the time to talk to others and connect with those who may be at risk.
There are a few warning signs to look out for to aid in identifying someone who may be suicidal. One of the biggest warning signs would be them openly discussing wanting to die or to kill oneself. As well, if they post or talk about having a lack of purpose in life or having feelings of being trapped. Increased consumption of alcohol or drugs can also be a big warning sign. These are just a few warning signs to be aware of when looking to help others.
Share Online
A simple way to show that you are a shoulder to lean on or a person to talk to would be to post a status online in support of suicide awareness. Even a simple tweets advocating to reach out if anyone is considering suicide as an option. There are a few graphics below that you can use to be an advocate for suicide awareness.
Resources
Immediate resources for someone who is suicidal should immediately call a hotline to talk to a trained professional. A great immediate hotline to call would be call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741-741. If you are looking for a long term solution, The Center for Assessment and Treatment of New Jersey is an excellent resource for finding a proper diagnosis and treatment for your mental health. Visit their website at https://www.assessmentandtreatment.org/crisis/ to find a supportive team that will guide you through your mental health journey.
