Regis House | Suicide Prevention and Treatment

GET IMMEDIATE HELP IF IN CRISIS - CALL 988

According to the CDC suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions.

Learn to Read The Warning Signs

If you or someone you know shows signs or talks abouyt suicide get help right. The list below can help identify the most common signs.

Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I were dead" or "I wish I hadn't been born"
Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there's no other logical explanation for doing this
Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again
Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above

Not all people give out signs that are obvious. Sometimes there are no signs at all because they keep it as a secret. Others make it obvious by giving out clear signs by announcing it to friends or family.

What Are The Risk Factors?

Stressful events, problems, and economic situations can trigger suicidal thoughts in an individual.

Attempted suicide before
Feel hopeless, worthless, agitated, socially isolated or lonely
Experience a stressful life event, such as the loss of a loved one, military service, a breakup, or financial or legal problems
Have a substance abuse problem — alcohol and drug abuse can worsen thoughts of suicide and make you feel reckless or impulsive enough to act on your thoughts
Have suicidal thoughts and have access to firearms in your home
Have an underlying psychiatric disorder, such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder
Have a family history of mental disorders, substance abuse, suicide, or violence, including physical or sexual abuse
Have a medical condition that can be linked to depression and suicidal thinking, such as chronic disease, chronic pain or terminal illness
Individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender with an unsupportive family or in a hostile environment
History of conflict with a spouse or romantic partner
Current family legal or financial problems
History of mental health problems, particularly depression
Alcohol or drug abuse
Having access to a firearm

What Can We Do To Help?

Get treatment as soon as possible.
Get involved with a mental health organization or group
Talk to a friend or family member that cares and ask for help.
Schedule an apppointment with one of Regis House mental health counselors.
Get help from your place of worship or look for community resources.
Talk about and don't keep it a secret. Get Help!

Regis House counts with qualified counselors in our staff that are ready to listen, help, and advise you and your family. For more information about our programs contact us at: [email protected]

Resources

https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/symptoms-causes/syc-20378048

https://988lifeline.org/

Keywords

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