Honoring Suicide Prevention Month

Hi Everyone! This week we at Blu Alliance are honoring National Suicide Prevention Month. There is a ton of great information, and resources out there if you, or anyone close to you are experiencing suicidal thoughts. The first thing to know is there are 24/7 hotlines to support you such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 where there are trained counselors available 24/7. When discussing the topic of suicide many are at a loss for words, and aren’t sure how to start. Thankfully organizations such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Know the Signs: Suicide is Preventable, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers access to providers, and guides on how to conduct this conversation. So lets get started!

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. The Lifeline Anytime, 24/7 they offer is at 1-800-273-8255.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers a Chat service as well if that is what you are needing is to talk via text. The Chats are free and confidential with four key points they want you to know.

1. First, you’ll see a wait-time message while we connect you to a crisis counselor.
2. If demand is high, you can always look at our “Helpful Resources” below, or call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
3. A counselor will answer your chat.
4. This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share resources that may be helpful.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.

AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.  AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in the following core strategies:

• Funding scientific research
• Educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention
• Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention
• Supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide in our mission

The AFSP has created a flyer with concise information that they want people to Download and Share to give people tips, and resources to help prevent suicide.

Know the Signs: Suicide is Preventable

Know the Signs is a statewide suicide prevention social marketing campaign built on three key messages: Know the signs. Find the words. Reach out. This campaign is intended to educate Californians how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to find the words to have a direct conversation with someone in crisis and where to find professional help and resources. Know the Signs is part of Each Mind Matters: California’s Mental Health Movement.

The three main goals of the campaign are:

1. Prepare more Californians to prevent suicide by increasing knowledge of warning signs, how to offer help and local resources.
2. Provide individuals who are going through tough times with resources, hope and reassurance that help is available.
3. Work with the news media to increase news reporting about suicide in ways that are consistent with national recommendations.

Know the Signs offer a user friendly website where they offer video visuals, and a three step guide on how to  Know the signs. Find the words. Reach out.

Each organization offers their own forms of support for those who are themselves, a family member, and/or friend who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. We at Blu Alliance gathered these resources to hopefully make it easier to take the first step in getting support.

“As Always Blu Specializes In You”