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What You Can Do to Prevent Suicide

suicide prevention west virginia

September is dedicated to suicide awareness and prevention. During September and all year long, we aim to raise awareness and help educate people on how to prevent suicide in their area. Preventing suicide can feel like an impossible task. Especially when suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for 10-34 year olds in West Virginia. To help protect you and those close to you from this tragic public health issue, it’s important to understand the warning signs and risk factors of suicide and the ways you can help prevent it.

Download this free mental health assessment to determine if your teen could benefit from a professional’s help. 

west virginia suicide data

Provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Know the Risk Factors for Suicide

The factors below may indicate an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts in youth and adults.

  • Prior suicide attempt(s)
  • Family history of suicide
  • Experiencing trauma (such as abuse, neglect, the death of a loved one, bullying, and more)
  • Recent job or financial loss
  • Easy access to lethal means
  • Family history of mental illness, depression, alcohol and/or drug misuse
  • Chronic pain or physical medical conditions
  • Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
  • Lack of social support and sense of isolation
  • The stigma associated with asking for help
  • Lack of health care, especially mental health and substance misuse treatment

Warning Signs of Suicide

These warning signs indicate that someone may need immediate help. These signs can be verbal or something displayed through a person’s behaviors.

Talking about:

  • Killing themselves
  • Wanting to die
  • Feeling hopeless or worthless
  • Feeling like they have no purpose in life
  • Unexplainable and/or unbearable pain
  • Feeling like there’s no point to life

Behaviors:

  • Drastic changes in behavior, such as struggling with depression but suddenly displaying a surge of happiness or eagerness
  • Increased alcohol and/or drug use
  • Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
  • Withdrawn from family, friends and/or activities
  • Displaying changes in their mood, such as increased anxiousness, anger or other extreme mood changes
  • Engaging in risky behavior or activities

mental health assessment

What You Can Do to Prevent Suicide

suicide prevention west virginia

Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide and there are many preventative steps you can take to help a child or teen before they are in crisis. Increasing the connections among family members and others in your circle can play a major role in preventing suicide, according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Research also shows that people having thoughts of suicide can experience relief when someone simply reaches out to them and inquires about their feelings. Keep an open mind when talking to others about their feelings and make sure not to promote this stigma.

Here are some examples of how you can reach out and help someone who may be struggling:

  • Tell them that they matter. Positive reinforcement is important.
  • Help them engage positive supports in their life (such as school, church, sports or volunteering)
  • Create opportunities for them to talk about their emotions. Actively listen without judgement.
  • Teach them healthy habits for caring for their body and brain.
  • Work with them on stress tolerance and coping skills.
  • Encourage counseling; you don’t have to be in crisis to seek help.

Be encouraging when urging someone to seek help, whether through a mental health professional, a visit to the emergency room or by calling the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

New Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988 suicide and crisis lifelineIn July 2022, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) created a new 3-digit dialing code to connect callers to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for mental health crises. Just like we’re trained from childhood to call 911 for immediate assistance with fire, health, or safety emergencies, now 988 is designed to be a resource for immediate mental health emergencies, people at risk of suicide and other crises. You can call, text, or chat online and receive help immediately.

Previously, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was an eleven-digit 1-800 number. In shifting to a three-digit code, there’s hope that reaching out for mental health emergencies will become a routine, destigmatized response to mental health crises.

About KVC West Virginia

We all need connection. That’s why KVC West Virginia has been serving children, individuals and families for over 20 years. We have made a positive difference in the lives of thousands children, adults and families by providing in-home family support, behavioral healthcare, foster care, adoption and substance use treatment. See how you can access our child and family therapy and/or substance misuse treatment programs.

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