A community’s response in support of our youth and adults is important when working together to prevent suicide.  Leaders of the Buffalo County Suicide Prevention Coalition are hosting their 2nd coalition meeting on Friday, January 20 at 10-11a.m. at Buffalo County Community Partners Conference Room.  The purpose of this meeting is to bring community members together to discuss the signs of suicide and to achieve a greater understanding of ways to prevent suicide.  Members of the community are invited to join the next coalition meeting to work together in building a strong comprehensive suicide prevention model for our community.

If you would like to be a part of the suicide prevention coalition fill out a form here: bcchp.org/volunteer

The Coalition supports the National Suicide Prevention’s standards to assist communities in understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health as an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide.

Hope can happen. Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. The Coalition believes by starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.

We can all take action as a community.  Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.

Crisis support is critical. By offering immediate counseling to everyone that may need it, local crisis programs provide invaluable support at critical times and connect individuals to local services.  Richard Young Hospital offers 24-7 help line assess by calling 1-800-930-0031.  A National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 1-800-273-8255.

“It is important as a community to support each other and encourage individuals and loved ones to reach out to local and national resources. “ states Jesica Vickers, facilitator of Buffalo County Suicide Prevention Coalition and clinical director of Center for Psychological Services.

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of warning signs, seek help by calling the Lifeline.  Warning signs include:

·     Extreme mood swings

·     Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

·     Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

·     Talking about being a burden to others

·     Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

·     Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

·     Sleeping too little or too much

·     Withdrawing or isolating themselves

·     Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

·     Decrease in interest in activities

 

“Starting the conversation is the first step.” States Vickers.

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