When someone who might have been singer Jon Bon Jovi and a possible member of his team walked over to a woman standing on the ledge outside the safety railing of a bridge in Nashville TN, it made national news. Cameras on the bridge show other people passing by the woman without engaging her in conversation. Did Bon Jovi prevent a suicide? We don’t have the answer to this question.
We mention this now because September is designated as @Nationl Suicide Prevention Month. This is an annual acknowledgement of those affected by suicide, and organizations working to raise awareness about suicide.
According to one of many resources available to us, the @National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, income, or ethnicity. Examples of the resources available from @NAMI are below.
What are the warning signs that let you know someone may be considering suicide? According to the @National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), here are warning signs:
- Withdrawing from friends
- Saying goodbye
- Giving away important items
- Making a will
- Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Eating or sleeping more or less
If you think someone might be considering suicide, be the one to help them by taking these 5 steps from @National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
- Ask
- Be There
- Help Keep Them Safe
- Help Them Connect
- Follow Up
The @National Suicide Prevention Hotline is a resource available 24/7. If you, or someone you know, are in suicidal crisis or emotional stress, the phone number below is an option for assistance. The website offers information on:
- Warning signs of stress for people by age group from preschool through adult
- Resources to help children, teens, and adults who are coping with stress from crisis situations
- Resiliency in children and youth
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Here at home, Wyoming participates in the national @988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline. Assistance is available 24/7/365. When you or someone you know contacts 988, the caller will discover skilled, judgement-free counselors. The one-on-one assistance is free. All conversations are confidential.
In closing this article, those of us @Cheyenne Child and Family Counseling ask you to please, talk to someone, get help! There’s lots of help in Wyoming and around you. Please reach out and tell someone what you’re thinking and how you’re feeling. You cannot know the depth of the sorrow your family and friends will experience without you!
