September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day, and Alberta Health Services (AHS) reminds Albertans that recognizing risk factors and signs of suicidal thoughts can help bolster prevention.
In adults, signs of potential suicidal thoughts or plans include:
• Talking or writing about wanting to die or to hurt or kill themselves or someone else.
• Saying they feel hopeless, trapped, without purpose, in pain, or like they're a burden to others
• Looking for ways to harm themselves - they might buy a gun or stockpile medicines.
• Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs.
• Withdrawing from family, friends and activities.
• Seeming angry, grumpy, anxious or depressed.
• Eating or sleeping less or more than usual.
• Doing risky things, such as driving too fast.
• Giving away belongings.
People can also be more at risk of suicide when they experience barriers accessing social and health services, mental illness, traumatic life events, family violence, discrimination or have a diagnosis of a serious physical illness.
Talking about suicide is one of the most effective means of reducing stigma and supporting those in need, noted the release.
The public is encouraged to use the REACH Pathway to help remember what you can do to support someone who is struggling:
• Recognize when someone is struggling.
• Engage in conversation and listen with empathy.
• Ask directly about suicidal thoughts and feelings.
• Connect to support and resources.
• Heal yourself by taking care of your own mental health.
There are several resources available that can help.
• Mental Health Helpline (1-877-303-2642)
• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
• Kids Help Phone: visit kidshelpphone.ca or call 1-800-668-6868
• Indigenous Hope for Wellness Hotline (1-855-242-3310)
• Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1-833-456-4566), visit crisisservicescanada.ca, or text 45645.
• National Trans Lifeline: visit translifeline.org or call 1-877-330-6366.
• Learn more at MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
• Health Link 811.
