September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is out there. And, getting help is strength.
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. The current economic decline, financial loss and other troubling events have increased many risk factors for suicide, such as depression. There is support available to help you overcome your struggles and renew hope.
Know the Warning Signs
- Talking about being a burden
- Isolating yourself
- Increased anxiety
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Increased substance abuse
- Extreme mood swings
Where to Go for Help
- 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides free, confidential support for people in distress, in addition to prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
- Health Advocate – Olympic Steel’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides resources to employees and their family members, confidentially and without any cost to the employee. These resources include counseling services and referrals to local services** that are within your network of providers.
- Suicide Prevention Resources at CDC.gov
How You Can Help Others
Five action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal encourage YOU to #BeThe1To…
- ASK: Asking questions about suicide communicates that you’re open to speaking about it in a non-judgmental and supportive way.
- BE THERE: Be physically present, make a phone call or connect with them in any way that shows support for the person at risk.
- KEEP THEM SAFE: After you’ve determined suicide is being considered, it’s important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety.
- HELP THEM CONNECT: Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports (like the 988 Lifeline, linked above) can help them establish a safety net for moments when they find themselves in a crisis.
- FOLLOW UP: Follow-up to see how they’re doing and to offer additional support. This creates a feeling of connectedness.
If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, immediately call/text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to connect with a crisis center professional.
**After the initial five, free counseling session, additional services are subject to the coverage available through your medical plan.
