LIFE IS BETTER WITH YOU IN IT.
You belong here.
Sometimes we don’t always see it, but our lives have meaning and by choosing to Stay; not only honors your own journey and potential but also allows you to achieve dreams that still await.
Your life is a precious gift, and by embracing it, you allow yourself the opportunity to grow, heal, overcome , and make a profound impact on the world around you. Remember, you are never alone, and there is always hope for tomorrow.
Choose to Stay; Life is better with YOU in it…
Speak up! Beyond the Stigma
One of the biggest barriers to suicide prevention is stigma. Talking about mental health, especially suicidal thoughts, can be incredibly difficult due to societal judgment and fear. Breaking this stigma requires open and honest conversations where individuals feel safe to express their struggles without feeling ashamed or judged.
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Recognizing the Warning Signs
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors rarely appear out of the blue. Recognizing the warning signs is a critical step in intervention.
In adults, these signs can vary from person to person but often include:
CHANGE IN SLEEP PATTERN
Disrupted sleep often accompanies mental distress. This can come in the form of lack of sleep, sleeping too long, or sleeping at odd hours.
INCREASED ALCOHOL USE
Substance and alcohol abuse can be a coping mechanism for underlying emotional pain.
GIVING AWAY POSSESSIONS
Giving away possessions or making plans. These actions can indicate a desire to put affairs in order.
TALKING ABOUT FEELING HOPELESS
Talking about feeling the sense of hopelessness or wanting to die is often the most direct indicators.
WITHDRAWING FROM SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair. This can be seen when someone pulls away from friends, family, and usual activities.
CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR AND MOOD
This can indicate a decision to end their life. These moods are often dramatic, one moment happy, and the next moment depressed.
While some of the above behaviors can be notated in teens, a teen may experience the following:
SIMILAR SIGNS AS ADULTS, BUT DIFFERENT
Teens may be more prone to expressing sadness, irritability, or anger.
DECLINE IN ACEDEMICS
Difficulty concentrating and loss of interest can impact schoolwork.
CYBERBULLYING OR ONLINE HARASSMENT
Online interactions can significantly contribute to feelings of isolation and despair.
RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME
This can be a sign of extreme distress and a desire to escape difficult situations.
SELF-HARM BEHAVIOR: (CUTTING/BURNING)
Self-harm is often a coping mechanism for managing intense emotional pain.
FOCUSING ON DEATH IN ARTWORK OR WRITINGS
This can be a way for teens to express their feelings indirectly.
Important Note: Not all individuals who are suicidal exhibit these warning signs. Trust your gut instinct if you feel concerned about someone, even if they don’t display obvious signs.
Seeking Help
If you suspect someone is considering suicide, don’t be afraid to ask them directly if they are thinking about it. This will not plant the idea in their head. Offering a listening ear and showing empathy can make a significant difference. Don’t promise to keep their feelings a secret; instead, encourage them to seek professional help and offer to connect them with resources.
HELPLINES
Call or text a helpline to speak with someone who understands and is nonjudgmental.
THERAPIST AND COUNSELORS
Professional support can provide guidance and coping strategies.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be incredibly healing.