You Can Help Prevent Suicide
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, hopeless or lonely? It’s not uncommon, and you’re not alone. Many people experience these feelings. But for some, it can lead to thoughts of suicide.
Fortunately, there is hope. You can actively take part in reducing and preventing suicides in your community.
What Can You Do?
Know The Warning Signs
Communicating with your family, friends and neighbors, especially during difficult times, can give you the opportunity to identify the early signs of suicidal thoughts. These can include:
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- Talking about wanting to die, great guilt or shame or being a burden to others
- Feelings of emptiness, depression, hopelessness or having no reason to live
- Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, extreme mood swings, risk taking and substance abuse
Learn more about the Warnings of Suicide.
Reducing Access Could Save A Life
Reducing a person’s immediate access to lethal means plays an important role in suicide prevention. You can help by:
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- Securing firearms appropriately
- Safely storing medications, especially prescription painkillers
- Limiting large quantities of alcohol available in the home
Learn more about Means Reduction.
Connect To Resources
By learning more about the crisis resources available in your community, you can play a vital role in creating a safety net for those in need.
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- Get emergency emotional support at Louisiana 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Chat Online
- Call 988
- Text 988
- Discover more about the 5 Steps to Suicide Prevention and other ways you can help save a life at #BeThe1To.
- Learn more about the Behavioral Health Services offered by Acadiana Area Human Services District clinics in the Acadiana region.
- Get emergency emotional support at Louisiana 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.