World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10 every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003. There are a number of hotlines available to help those in distress. There are also a number of signs and risk factors to help identify those who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Hotline number for help 24 hours: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Samaritans: 1-877-HOPE (4673)
Risk factors for suicide include:
- Feeling hopeless
- Loss of a loved one
- Traumatic experience
- Sense of isolation
- Lack of social support
- Access to lethal means (pills, guns)
- History of mental health problems
Signs of suicidal thoughts:
- Talking about wanting to die or looking for a way to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating self
- Extreme mood swings
If someone you know has any of these signs, call the hotline number.
For more information go to mass.gov/informationaboutsuicide. Continue to follow NEW Health for more health and wellness tips and information. For more information, visit us at newhealthcenter.org, or follow us on social media.
