It’s Not Too Late To Join Us For The AFSP Walk
It’s less than two weeks until the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Middlesex County Walk. It’s not too late to join my team and help in raising awareness and lifting the stigma around mental health and suicide.
Please check out my page to sign up or make a donation for the Out of the Darkness Middlesex County Walk on November 3rd, 2024 at Thompson Park in Jamesburg, New Jersey.
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.