BY KAREN BOSSICK
The Crisis Hotline is asking Wood River Valley residents to take a moment and reconsider how they might help friends and co-workers going through a tough time during National Suicide Prevention Week.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, nearly 45,000 Americans die by suicide every year. About one person dies by suicide every 25 hours in Idaho.
This year’s theme is “#BeThe1To” and it underscores actions everyone can take to present suicide:
- ASK--Research shows those having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way.
- KEEP THEM SAFE--Removing lethal means, such as guns from the house of someone in distress, has been shown to lead to reduced rates of suicide.
- BE THERE—Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment. It’s okay to ask someone directly, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Or, suggesting “Sometimes when people are down in the dumps they think of suicide. Are you?”
- HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED—Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support can help them take positive action, reducing feelings of hopelessness.
- FOLLOW UP—Studies show that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive ongoing contact may help with suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
- The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says some warning signs to be aware of include:
- Threatening suicide
- Talking or writing about suicide
- Isolation or withdrawal (from family, friends, activities, etc.)
- Seeking methods to kill oneself
- Co-occurring depression, moodiness and hopelessness
- Unexplained anger, aggression or irritability
- Recent loss of family member or friend through divorce, suicide or other death
- Changes in eating, sleeping, personal care or other patterns
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Taking unnecessary risks/recklessness
- No longer interested in favorite activities or hobbies.
For more information, call the Crisis Hotline office at 208-788-0735 or visit www.TheCrisisHotline.org. For 24/7 confidential support call the Crisis Hotline at 208-788-3596.