Suicide prevention

In light of the news, Wednesday, regarding Junior Seau, I'm going to take this opportunity to remind people about EVERYONE'S responsibility to do something. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) anytime if you need help - for anything. This is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Who should call?

• Anyone who feels sad, hopeless, or suicidal.
• Family and friends who are concerned about a loved one.
• Anyone interested in mental health treatment and service referrals.

It is FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, and staffed by TRAINED COUNSELORS. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/Default.aspx (NSPL "Get help now")

Here are some of the warning signs of suicide, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

• Observable signs of serious depression: Unrelenting low mood, Pessimism, Hopelessness, Desperation, Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension, Withdrawal, Sleep problems
• Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
• Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
• Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
• Making a plan: Giving away prized possessions, Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm, Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications
• Unexpected rage or anger

http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?page_id=0519EC1A-D73A-8D90-7D2E9E2456182D66 (AFSP warning signs)

What to do: 1) KNOW THE FACTS; 2) RECOGNIZE IMMINENT DANGERS; 3) TAKE IT SERIOUSLY; 4) BE WILLING TO LISTEN; 5) SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP; 6) ACUTE CRISIS MANAGEMENT [do NOT leave person alone!]; 7) FOLLOW UP ON TREATMENT

http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=F2F25092-7E90-9BD4-C4658F1D2B5D19A0 (what to do)
"Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact." - William James

http://operationbeautiful.com/

You can help. Teachers can help. Counselors can help. Clergy can help. Police can help. Family can help. Friends can help. Acquaintances can help. Strangers can help. Neighbors can help. Co-workers can help. Teammates can help.

Look. Listen. Do something to help.

Smile at someone. Brighten a mood today.

http://www.keen.com/CommunityServer/UserBlogPosts/dianalc/Just-For-Today/512103.aspx