SUICIDE

If someone talks about suicide, take it seriously.   Friends may tell you they are thinking of killing themselves and ask that you keep it a secret.  THIS IS A SECRET YOU CANNOT KEEP.  You can be a better friend by telling someone — a parent, teacher, counselor, minister, or someone else you trust.  You might also encourage the person talking about suicide to talk to an adult whom he or she trusts.

 

If you think someone may be suicidal, don’t be afraid to ask.  Mentioning suicide will not give someone the idea or push them over the edge.   Talking about it can prevent it from happening.   A suicidal person is not beyond help.   The crisis period usually lasts only a short time.   WITH PROFESSIONAL HELP A SUICIDAL PERSON CAN GET BETTER.

 

Some of the warning signs of suicide are:

 

· Talking about committing suicide

· Giving away prized possessions

· Significant changes in behavior

· Lessened communication and more isolation from others

· Changes in sleeping habits (inability to sleep or unusually heavy sleeping habits)

· Changes in eating habits

· Outburst of anger or unusual reckless behavior

· Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and special events

· Preoccupation with death

· Having a “plan” to commit suicide

If you or a friend show any of these warning signs, you must be concerned and tell someone who can help.   Also remember that the first step in stopping a suicide is to have the person promise, “If I feel like I’m going to hurt myself, I will call a trusted friend or a hotline first.”

 

If you or a friend is thinking about suicide, these numbers can help you:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsored by the Auglaize County Health Department