Suicide Risk and Prevention

There may be times when you feel down, frustrated, isolated or alone. Maybe you’re experiencing pain following a breakup, stress before a major test, problems at home or a fight with your best friend.

Be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can reach out to your friends, family, teachers, guidance counselors and other trusted adults. Or you can call a free and confidential hotline to discuss your concerns anonymously.

The resources available here in Stark County can help you to take control of your thoughts and feelings – reminding you that you’re never alone.

Contact your local law enforcement to report threats or attempts of suicide.

If you notice these behaviors, reach out for help immediately. You could be the difference in getting someone the support they need:

• Acts agitated or reckless
• Can’t think clearly or see a way out
• Doesn’t see a future without pain and sadness
• Feels overwhelmed, helpless, hopeless or out of control
• Gives away belongings
• Has extreme changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Loses interest in things they previously enjoyed
• Not able to think of things to live for
• Seeks means to attempt suicide
• Talks or writes about wanting to die
• Uses alcohol or other drugs
• Withdraws from loved ones and activities

References

• https://save.org/about-suicide/warning-signs-risk-factors-protective-factors/

If you feel someone you know is at risk for suicide, it can be difficult to know what to do or say. The following guidelines can help you navigate the conversation:

No matter the cause, thoughts and attempts of suicide are often more widespread than we realize. Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your friends, family and yourself:

• Be there for those you believe might be at risk
• Engage in open and honest conversations
• Know the signs and be on the lookout
• Report suicidal content you see online
• Spread awareness of hotlines and support resources

References

• https://www.psychalive.org/the-dos-and-donts-of-suicide-prevention/
• https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-someone-else/
• https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Risk-of-Suicide
• https://save.org/find-help/im-concerned-about-someone-else/

For Parents:

• Crisis Text Line
• Five Tips for Talking with Your Teenager About Mental Health
• Risk & Protective Factors
• Suicide Prevention
• Youth Suicide Prevention
• Youth Suicide Warning Signs

For Students:

• Be a Friend
• Help a Friend in Need
• The Trevor Project

Other Helpful Links: 

• American Association of Suicidology (AAS) – Find information on suicide, including statistics and suicide prevention resources.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – An online community dedicated to suicide prevention through education, research, advocacy and support.
• Children’s Safety Network (CSN) – Resource center for child injury, violence and suicide prevention.
• Jason Foundation – Educational and awareness programs dedicated to the prevention of suicide.
• The Jed Foundation – Provides a variety of educational resources on suicide prevention for colleges and universities.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Latest research and resources on suicide prevention.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Connecting people in crisis to the nearest available suicide prevention and mental health service provider.
• Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation – Resources designed to raise suicide awareness, eliminate stigma and increase help-seeking behavior for Ohioans.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Government resource for mental health issues, treatment and programs nationwide.
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) – Educational resources on suicide awareness and prevention.
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) – Resources, training and programs designed to raise awareness around suicide prevention.
• Yellow Ribbon – Provides a variety of suicide prevention resources.
• Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide – Education and training programs to help encourage awareness and prevent youth suicides.

• Alcohol & other drug services
• Bullying
• Immediate assistance
• Mental health resources