Learn the Risk Factors During Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, September 8th to 14th is National Suicide Prevention Week, and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s less than two months until the next American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Middlesex County Walk at Thompson Park in Jamesburg, New Jersey. I invite you to join my team and walk with me on November 3rd.
According to the AFSP website, there are several reasons someone may commit suicide. It most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition, and it can go undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase the risk of suicide.
Suicide Risk Factors
AFSP wants everyone to know the risk factors, characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life.
They include mental health conditions such as depression, substance use problems, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, aggression, mood changes, poor relationships, and conduct or anxiety disorders. Other factors include serious physical health conditions including pain and traumatic brain injury.
Other factors include access to firearms and drugs, prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems, or unemployment, and stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss, exposure to another person’s suicide, or accounts of suicide.
There are protective factors such as access to mental health care, feeling connected to family and community support, problem-solving and coping skills, and limited access to lethal means. Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.
Signs That Someone May Be Considering Suicide
If a person talks about:
- Killing themselves
- Feeling hopeless
- Having no reason to live
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
- Fatigue
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest
- Irritability
- Humiliation/Shame
- Agitation/Anger
- Relief/Sudden Improvement
I hope you can join us on November 3rd. Get more information or join my team here.
You Should Know These New Scams That Are Trending
Watch out for the new 'check cooking scam'
The AARP warns of a new scam called the “check cooking scam.” The AARP states, “In check cooking, thieves take a digital picture of a stolen check and then use commercially available software to alter it.” It can look super real, but it’s fake. So, how do you stay safe? “Consider using a safer payment method, such as a credit card,” they suggest.
Getty Images / Andrey Popov
Look out for the 'delayed-action sweepstakes scam'
The AARP states also warns of a new sweepstakes scam where “instead of trying to get you to pay taxes or other fees in advance to collect the nonexistent prize, the scammers will ask for personal information so that they can validate you and set up the payout.” Just say no.
Getty Images / Torsten Asmus
Watch out for AI-powered scams
These days, AI scams are big. Experian.com says today, scammers use technology to “write more convincing and natural-sounding phishing emails and text messages.” They can also “Impersonate the victim’s friend or relative and ask for money as part of a grandparent scam.” It’s scary stuff. Beware of anything that sounds too crazy, as these can often seem far-fetched, but AI makes them look real.
Getty Images / Userba011d64_201
Beware of student loan forgiveness scams
Experian.com says that student loan forgiveness scams are on the rise. They note that, “scammers may contact you via phone or create phony application sites aimed at stealing your Social Security number or your bank account information.” Don’t give out your information. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Getty Images / Pla2na
Look out for the Paris Olympics scam
This one is really wild. With the games on the way, scammers can use the games to scam you. The AARP states, “A scammer hacks someone’s email account, and shortly after, all of that person’s contacts will receive the same message — something to the effect of, ‘Hey guys, I’m over in Paris and my wallet got stolen! Can anyone please help me out by sending gift cards or a Venmo deposit?”
Getty Images / Marcio-Binow-Da-Silva
The best way to avoid scams
Whether the scam is new or old, the best way to avoid it is to stop and think about what’s happening. These scam artists are super good at what they do, but if you just stop for a moment and really think out any actions, you can avoid making a rash decision that could cost you.
Getty Images / Ridofranz
