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Tips and resources for Suicide Prevention Month
9/16/2019September is Suicide Prevention Month nationally, and the issue has particular relevance in Oregon. In statewide statistics gathered by the Oregon Health Authority, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Oregon residents ages 15-24. Amy Ruona, the Mental Health/Wellness Supports and Systems Senior Manager for Portland Public Schools, and Mila Rodriguez-Adair, Licensed School Social Worker, offered some insights and resources:
Though suicide prevention is important to address year-round, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and provides a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength around a difficult topic.
We can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide because just one conversation can change a life. Asking a friend or loved one if they are thinking about suicide will not put the idea in their head, it will tell them you are someone who is willing to talk about it.
Some resources:
From The National Alliance of Mental Illness, warning signs of suicide – if a person:
- Makes threats or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation. This can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here” but can become more overt and dangerous
- Has increased alcohol and drug use
- Exhibits aggressive behavior
- Experiences social withdrawal from friends, family and the community
- Exhibits dramatic mood swings
- Is talking, writing or thinking about death
- Engages in impulsive or reckless behavior
- Gives away prized possessions
Use hashtag on social media:
- #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope.
Signs to watch for from the Take 5 to Save Lives website:
- Learn the signs
- Know how to help
- Practice self-care
- Reach out
- Spread the word
Families remind your students:
- If your friend tells you they are thinking about killing themselves, it is too much to carry alone. Involve a trusted adult or reach out to a helpline (listed below). Your friend may be upset with you initially, but a mad friend is better than a dead friend.
- A trusted adult can be anyone, not just a counselor, social worker, or psychologist.
- Sometimes trusted adults mess up and don’t give a supportive response. Don’t give up, connect with another person.
Suicide prevention support:
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline for Spanish speakers: 1-888-628-9454
- Oregon Youthline: call 1-877-968-8491; text “Teen2Teen” to 839863
- Trans Lifeline for transgender youth: 1-877-565-8860
- The Trevor Project: for LGBTQ youth: call 1-866-488-7386; text “TREVOR” to 1-202-304-1200
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