Suicidal Thoughts: A Psychiatric Emergency

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

Anyone can have thoughts of committing suicide — regardless of their age, gender or background. But suicidal thoughts are dangerous and damaging. They are considered to be a psychiatric emergency.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to reach out to families affected by suicide, raise awareness of the risk factors and warning signs, and connect people to resources and treatment services.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call 911 immediately. You can also call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255) or text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor.

People with suicidal thoughts are not weak or damaged, but they do need help from a trained health or mental health care provider. Suicidal thoughts can be a sign of more serious issues or untreated mental illness.

Although anyone can have suicidal thoughts, people are at higher risk of committing suicide if they have a family history of suicide, a history of trauma or abuse, prolonged stress, isolation, a recent tragedy or loss, substance abuse and lack of sleep. Men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide, and people younger than 24 years old or older than 65 are at higher risk for suicide.

Anyone who shows the following warning signs of suicide should get help immediately:

Mood shifts from despair to calm

Saying good-bye to family or friends

Putting their affairs in order

Giving away their things Buying, borrowing or stealing the tools they will need to commit suicide

Other warning signs for suicide include the following:

Threats or comments about killing themselves or about death

Increased alcohol or drug use

Social withdrawal from family and friends

Aggressive, impulsive or reckless behavior

Dramatic mood swings Mental health professionals are trained to help people understand their feelings, and can help them improve their mental health and find healthy ways to address life issues.

Public health — working every day for healthier families, healthier communities, healthier YOU! Learn more on Facebook, by calling 417-223-7122 or by visiting www.mcdonald countyhealth.com.