🌎 World Suicide Prevention Day

📅 Sept 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day. The day was first recognized in 2003, as an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention and endorsed by the World Health Organization. This day is meant to spread awareness and help those who are afraid to ask for it themselves. 📈 Suicide Is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Each Year over 44,000 Americans die by suicide. On average there are over 100 suicides every day. Suicide Risk Factors 🔼 Alcohol and other substance use disorders 🔼 History of trauma or abuse 🔼 Previous suicide attempt 🔼 Family history of suicide 🔼 Job or financial loss 🔼 Loss of relationship 🔼 Lack of social support 🔼 Lack of healthcare 🔎 Warning Signs 🔹 Feeling hopeless and trapped 🔹 Feeling like a burden to others 🔹 Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs 🔹 Anxious or agitated 🔹 Sleeping too little or too much 🔹 Withdrawing or isolating themselves 🔹 Extreme mood swings. 🚫 Suicide prevention

🏥 Seek professional help. Call a crisis line for advice. Encourage the individual to visit a health professional or take them to a doctor's appointment yourself. 💊 Follow-up on treatment. If the physician prescribes medication, make sure it is taken as directed and be aware of possible side effects. It often takes time and persistence to find the medication or therapy that’s right for you.

🏋 Encourage healthy lifestyle changes. Such as healthy diet, adequate sleep, and getting exercise. 📕 Develop a safety plan. Help them develop a set of steps he or she can follow during a crisis. Include contact numbers for the person's doctor or therapist, as well as friends and family members who can help in emergencies. 🔫 Remove potential means. Pills, knives, razors, or firearms. 👪 Continue your support. Check on the them periodically even after feelings have resolved. Your support is vital to ensure they remain on the recovery track. 🙏 If there is anyone you are concerned about, take a minute to check in with them. It could change their life. #worldsuicidepreventionday