Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness and discuss this highly stigmatized topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. - NAMI

• 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
• Suicide is one of the leading causes of death of individuals ages 15-19 years.
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition — but research suggests that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

- Expressing thoughts, feelings, or plans about ending their life, including through stories or pictures

- A sudden or dramatic change in academic performance

- Changes in mood (i.e., regularly becoming tearful, crying, or displaying severe emotional distress)

- Expressing hopelessness about the future

- Changes in behavior such as withdrawal from others, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, or an increase in anger, hostility, agitation, irritability, or impulsivity

- Use of alcohol or drugs

- Aggressive behavior, such as bullying, or breakdown of relationships with peers

There are a few ways to approach a suicide-related crisis:

• Talk to them in a private space, conveying your concerns and actively listen to what they say without judgement
  
• Talk openly and honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like: “Are you contemplating suicide?”
• Ask about and remove means such as guns, knives or stockpiled pills
• Calmly ask simple and direct questions, like “Can I help you call your (family/friend/therapist/etc.) for support?”
• If there are multiple people around, have one person speak at a time
• Express support and concern
• Don’t argue, threaten or raise your voice
• Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong
• If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace
• Be patient

Mercer County Behavioral Health: 724-662-2227

http://www.mercercountybhc.org/

Lawrence County Human Services Center: 724-652-9000

https://humanservicescenter.net/

Butler County Community Counseling Center: 1-800-292-3866

https://ccrinfo.org/services/24-hour-crisis-services/

If you are interested in more information or resources, please contact the MIU IV School Social Work team at:

Bryda Drumm, LSW, H&SV
Email: bryda.drumm@miu4.org

Jennifer Guthrie, LCSW

Email: jennifer.guthrie@miu4.org

Sara Joseph, MSW, LSW

Email: sara.joseph@miu4.org