Tag Archives: #suicidepreventionmonth

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize seeking help.

Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Here are some key facts about suicide:

  • 1 in 20 (5%) U.S. adults have serious thoughts of suicide each year
  • About one person dies by suicide in the U.S. every 11 minutes
  • 79% of all people who die by suicide in the U.S. are male
  • Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to die by suicide
  • In the U.S., suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and among people ages 15-24, and the 11th leading cause of death overall

Adult suicide warning signs include:

  • Talking about or making plans for suicide
  • Acting anxious, agitated, or behaving recklessly
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings
  • Chronic illness or serious physical health conditions

Youth suicide warning signs:

  • Expressing hopelessness about the future
  • Displaying severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress
  • Increased physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and stomachaches, are commonly associated with emotional distress
  • Changing or withdrawing from social connections or situations
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context
  • Recent increased agitation or irritability

Talking about suicide isn’t harmful. Silence is. Opening up about your mental health journey, good, bad, or otherwise, can create a space for healing. One honest and caring conversation can make a difference and save a life. Studies show that people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way.

Call, text, or chat 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor offering support 24/7/365. And to learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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Suicide is currently the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. It can happen for a wide variety of reasons, but some of the most common risk factors include:

  • Personal or family history of suicide attempts
  • Personal or family history of mental disorders or substance use disorders
  • Chronic pain
  • Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
  • The presence of firearms in the home
  • Recent release from prison or jail
  • Exposure to suicidal behavior from other people

While suicide is most common among middle-aged people, particularly men, it can happen among people of all ages. Many of the same warning signs apply to both adults and young people, but some may be different. Additionally, not all of these signs necessarily indicate that a person actually intends to commit suicide; however, they can indicate that the person is at risk and may benefit from preventative treatment.

For adults, suicide warning signs to watch out for include:

  • Talking about or planning suicide
  • Anxious, agitated, or reckless behavior
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Talking about feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable pain
  • Increased or frequent usage of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Insufficient or excessive sleep
  • Social isolation
  • Extreme moods or mood swings

In addition to the above indicators, warning signs for young people include:

  • Expressing hopelessness about the future
  • Severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress
  • Anger or hostility that seems increased and/or out of character

Whether or not you believe a person may genuinely commit suicide, do not dismiss these warning signs; they are indicators of serious underlying mental health problems. Let them know that you have recognized changes in their behavior, that they are not alone, and that you are there to support them.  You should also do what you can to make sure that they feel comfortable speaking openly with you about what’s troubling them.

Aside from providing support, the most helpful step you can take for someone who may be at risk of committing suicide is to encourage them to get professional help. You can reach Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic to schedule an appointment or get more information by calling (718) 670-5562.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or demonstrating suicidal behaviors, get help immediately. Call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or 1-800-273-TALK right away.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24 in the United States. It is estimated that 4,600 lives are lost each year. These numbers are cause for great concern but with awareness and prevention can be decreased.
With the reported average in occurrences and recent high-profile suicides, the question of what is suicide and can it be prevented have become popular topics in conversation. It is of the utmost importance that trained mental health professionals address concerns through public education and advocating for the awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.

Know the signs:

. Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

. Changes in sleep patterns

. Irritability or anger

. Lack of interest in daily activities, grooming and things they were once passionate about

. Talking about harming themselves

. Reckless behavior

. Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol

. Preoccupation with death and organizing of affairs in preparation for death

. Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

If you or someone know know if having suicidal thoughts or demonstrating suicidal behaviors, get help immediately. Call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or 1-800-273-TALK

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.