September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
One of the most common questions that comes up is: what kinds of actions should you take if someone you know may be thinking about suicide?
There is a lot that a single person can do to help prevent suicide, but the biggest thing you can do when facing the issue with someone you know is to listen, and make sure to get them help.
We have a list of things that you can say:
· Mention the things that are concerning you: “You have been acting really down lately” or “You’ve been missing a lot of work and seem distracted when you are at the office.”
· Be direct: “Have things gotten so desperate, that you are thinking about suicide?” or “Have you ever thought of killing yourself?”
· Listen and remain calm.
· Assure the person that help is available and treatment works.
What to do:
· Do get professional help immediately. If your friend or loved one is exhibiting any suicidal warning signs, assist them by contacting a trusted adult, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Self-Care Tip:
Ask for help when you need it. It sounds simple, but trying to handle everything without help causes stress and anxiety for a lot people
Kindness Challenge:
Send an encouraging note, text, email to someone you know who needs it.
Affective Statement:
I am having a hard time understanding...
Because YELLOW stands for happiness, positivity, energy, optimism, and joy, we are asking for our campus community to wear YELLOW on Wednesdays to help promote our Wellness Wednesday efforts. Be on the lookout for the Peer Mediators’ yellow ribbons you can wear on Wednesdays in addition to your RED for ED.
We also invite you to encourage your students to visit our Wellness Wednesday lounge in the counseling center at lunch every Wednesday. It’s the perfect spot to de-stress and decompress.
To spread the good news of our wellness efforts, please use the hashtag #BeWellRedDevils in sharing your Wellness Wednesday activities.
Be Well Red Devils!