September is Suicide Prevention Month

TUPELO,MS-September is Suicide Prevention Month and September 10 was Suicide Prevention Day.

✓ An employee walks into a building to find his co-worker hanging from a pipe …

✓ An employee goes out with friends; she doesn’t show any apparent signs of depression. She doesn’t show up for work the next morning and is found in her bathtub with a self-inflicted gunshot wound …

✓ An employee recognizes that her friend is depressed and having problems; she tries to draw him out to talk about what is going on. Her friend assures her all is OK; he is found dead the next morning from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

✓ During a meeting, an employee announces that he routinely thinks about committing suicide …

All of these scenarios happened to National Park Service (NPS) employees across the country. Their loss to their family, peers, and co-workers cannot begin to be described. Every year, almost 45,000 Americans die by suicide – an average of 123 suicides each day. The NPS is not immune to these traumatic events; nationwide we have lost at least four NPS employees who have died by suicide this year alone.

A lack of understanding of suicide, its signs, and risk factors, as well as stigmas surrounding suicide and mental illness, are barriers to those who suffer from getting help. Many of us are reluctant to ask for help or to be willing to discuss thoughts of suicide because of fear, embarrassment, peer pressure, loss of reputation, the feeling that no one cares, or even feeling that it is pointless. We need to remove those barriers and encourage open conversation.

✓ Know what to look for. Read about the signs and symptoms of those who may be considering suicide.

✓ Start a conversation about suicide. Bring up the topic with your coworkers or family.

✓ Know where to go for help. Whether you are considering suicide or you know of someone who is, learn

about the many resources available.

✓ Threats or talk of suicide

✓ Buying a gun or weapon

✓ Statements such as “Soon, I won’t be a problem” or “Nothing matters.”

✓ Giving away items they own, making out a will, or planning their funeral.

✓ Suddenly being happy or calm after being depressed.

We can prevent suicide. Get the person to a trained professional. Don’t leave the person alone. Call 911 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day. You can also get help at the nearest hospital emergency room.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Suicide intervention support 24/7