“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.”
-Isaiah 41:10
Resources
Call 988 right away if you have immediate concern about someone’s safety!
Are you concerned a friend might be at risk for suicide? Notice the FACTS warning signs:
F eelings—expressing hopelessness about the future
A ctions—displaying severe/overwhelming pain or distress
C hanges—withdrawing from friends; anger or hostility; changing sleep patterns
T hreats—talking about, writing about, or making plans for suicide
S ituations—experiencing stressful situations including loss, change, personal humiliation, trouble at home, school or with the law. These can serve as triggers for suicide.
If you notice any of these warning signs you can help!
Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior.
Ask directly about suicide.
Encourage them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988)
Involve an adult they trust.
(This information is from the FACTS handout available in the Lifelines Curriculum and Making Educators Partners)
You can ask, "What happened to you?" Suicidal thinking can be a response to a loss or a grief that is under the surface, unexpressed. If a friend is talking or even joking about suicide, it is important to find them help promptly.
College Mental Health Resources Mental health residential programs The Center • A Place of HOPE, Washington State Sierra Tucson Depression Treatment Center, Arizona Hollywood Pavilion, Florida Walden Behavioral Care, Massachusetts Bayridge Anxiety and Depression Treatment Center, Ontario Connecticut Anxiety and Depression Treatment Center, Connecticut YouthCare Residential Treatment Center, Utah Anxiety and Depression Treatment Center, Newport Beach, California Skyland Trail, Atlanta Sunset Malibu’s Depression Treatment Center, Malibu, California
Books: When Nothing Matters Anymore: a Survival Guide for Depressed Teens by Bev Cobain Why People Die by Suicide by Thomas Joiner
Song: “You’re Gonna Be Okay” from the album After All These Years by Brian and Jenn Johnson