I know. This is a hard topic that makes us feel uncomfortable and helpless however, we must talk about as it is real and is on the rise within our community
A few FACTS about suicide:
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death amongst adolescents ages 12-15
• LGBTQIA+ youth are 4x more likely to seriously consider suicide, make a plan, and attempt suicide versus their peers
• 46% of people who die by suicide have a known mental illness
• Those who have a family history of suicide are more at risk than others
• Substance usage/intoxication – more than 1 in 3 people who die by suicide are under the influence at the time of their death
• A history of trauma and/or abuse
• A recent loss or tragedy
• Gender – although women attempt more, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide because they use more lethal means
What are the WARNING SIGNS for suicide?
• Direct threats (I am going to kill myself)
• Indirect threats (I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up again)
• Changes in behavioral patterns – sleeping all day, not sleeping, or eating, not going to school or work
• Increased substance usage
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Calling to say goodbye
• Giving away possessions
• Cryptic social media posts
• Searching online for methods of committing suicide
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness or things never changing
• Suddenly becoming calm or cheerful after a long period of depression
• Sometimes there are no warning signs
How YOU can help!
• Ask direct questions! Asking a person if they want to commit suicide does not make them do it. Asking shows that you care.
• Ask if they have a plan. (How will you do it.)
• Ask if they have the means to carry out the plan. (Do they have access to the thing (s) they will use.)
• Remove anything that can be used in a suicide attempt
• Do not leave the person alone
• Take the person to the nearest emergency room
• Call a mental health or medical professional for help
• Offer support
• Do NOT judge or shame
Here are some NUMBERS to call for help
Call 911 or your local emergency number. Calling 911 is a gamble in our community however this may be the most effective and fastest way to get your loved one to safety.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Maryland’s Crisis Hotline 211
MD Crisis Response Team 301-429-2185
The Trevor Project for LGBTQIA+ Youth Hotline 1-866-488-7386
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please seek out the help of a licensed professional. Some licensed professionals include a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, guidance counselor, professional counselor, Social Worker, principal, or teacher.
Additional Resources
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
https://www.sprc.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness Prince Georges County
https://namipgc.org/resources/local-resources/
Prince Georges County Behavioral Health Services
https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1733/Behavioral-Health
The Trevor Project
www.thetrevorproject.org