The last thing that most people expect is that they will run out of reasons to
live. However, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you need to know that
you are not alone. By some estimates, as many as one in six people think of
suicide at some point in their lives. Fortunately, most people do not act on
their suicidal thoughts. Crises pass and problems are solved. Unfortunately,
sometimes thoughts do lead to self-harm.
We would like to share some important facts with you:
VA Suicide Facts
Suicide Warning Signs
Intervention Strategies
Suicidal thinking is usually associated with problems that can be treated.
Clinical depression, anxiety disorders, chemical dependency, and other
disorders produce profound feeling of crisis and hopelessness. They also
cloud your thinking and make it difficult to see a solution. You should know that
new treatments are available, and studies show that most people who receive
appropriate treatment improve or recover completely. Even if you have
received treatment before, you should know that different treatments work
better for different people in different situations. Several tries are sometimes
necessary before the right treatment is found.
If you are unable to think of solutions other than suicide, remember that other
solutions do exist, even if you are currently unable see them. Therapists and
counselors (and sometimes friends) can help you to see solutions that you
can't think of.
Suicidal crises are almost always temporary. Although it might seem as if your
unhappiness will never end, it is important to realize that crises are usually
time-limited. Solutions can be found, feelings change, unexpected positive
events can occur. Suicide is sometimes referred to as "a permanent solution to
a temporary problem." Don't let suicide rob you of better times that would have
come your way, if only you had allowed more time.
Problems are seldom as great as they appear at first glance. Job loss, financial
problems, loss of important people in our lives--all such stressful events can
seem horrible at the time they are happening. Then, months or years later, they
usually look smaller and more manageable. Sometimes, imagining ourselves
"five years down the road" can help us to see that a problem that currently
seems huge will pass and that we will survive.
Reasons for living can help keep you going when you are in pain. A famous
psychologist conducted a study of Nazi concentration camp survivors, and
found that those who survived almost always reported strong beliefs about
what was important in life. You, too, might be able to strengthen your
connection with life if you consider what has kept you going through hard times
in the past. Family ties, religion, love of art or nature, and dreams for the future
are just a few the things that provide meaning and gratification. Unfortunately,
we can lose sight of this hope during emotional distress.
Do not keep suicidal thoughts to yourself! Help is available for you, whether
through a friend, therapist, crisis hotline, or member of the clergy. Find
someone you trust and let them know how that you are thinking of suicide. This
can be your first step on the road to healing.
Suicide Support Groups: call the Mental Health Association of Central Virginia
at 434-847-9055
Suicide Warning Signs:
The mores signs observed, the greater the risk. Take ALL signs seriously!
Any previous suicide attempt
Acquiring a gun or pills
Depression, moodiness, hopelessness
Giving away prized possessions
Sudden interest or disinterest in religion
Drug or alcohol abuse, or relapse after a period of recovery
Unexplained anger, aggression, or irritability
Being fired
School troubles
Loss of any major relationship
Death of spouse, child, best friend by suicide
Diagnosis of a terminal illness
Sudden unexpected loss of freedom/fear of punishment
Anticipated loss of financial security
Loss of a cherished therapist, counselor, or teacher
Fear of becoming a burden to others
Thoughts of suicide, talking about suicide, having a plan of how to die
by suicide
Indirect verbal cues, such as “I’m tired of life, I just can’t go on” or
“Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about my” or “I just wish I could go
to sleep and never wake up”
What to do if someone you know is showing warning signs:
Be open to talking with them about their suicidal thoughts
Don’t be judgmental, act shocked, or debate whether suicide is right or
wrong
Ask them if they are thinking about suicide
Ask them if they have a plan
Remove easy methods they might use to kill themselves
Offer hope that alternatives to suicide exist
Listen to them; care about what the problem is
Persuade them to get help from a professional or contact 1-800-SUICIDE;
tell them you will go with them to get help
If they do not want to get help, contact a professional or call 1-800
suicide
Get help from friends, family, and others that are supportive
Don’t keep suicide a secret, even if you promised your friend; your
friend’s safety is much more important than not making your friend mad
For information on suicide, see our suicide resources
We also offer free suicide prevention training!
For help call 1-800-SUICIDE
Suicide Awareness Week
live. However, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you need to know that
you are not alone. By some estimates, as many as one in six people think of
suicide at some point in their lives. Fortunately, most people do not act on
their suicidal thoughts. Crises pass and problems are solved. Unfortunately,
sometimes thoughts do lead to self-harm.
We would like to share some important facts with you:
VA Suicide Facts
Suicide Warning Signs
Intervention Strategies
Suicidal thinking is usually associated with problems that can be treated.
Clinical depression, anxiety disorders, chemical dependency, and other
disorders produce profound feeling of crisis and hopelessness. They also
cloud your thinking and make it difficult to see a solution. You should know that
new treatments are available, and studies show that most people who receive
appropriate treatment improve or recover completely. Even if you have
received treatment before, you should know that different treatments work
better for different people in different situations. Several tries are sometimes
necessary before the right treatment is found.
If you are unable to think of solutions other than suicide, remember that other
solutions do exist, even if you are currently unable see them. Therapists and
counselors (and sometimes friends) can help you to see solutions that you
can't think of.
Suicidal crises are almost always temporary. Although it might seem as if your
unhappiness will never end, it is important to realize that crises are usually
time-limited. Solutions can be found, feelings change, unexpected positive
events can occur. Suicide is sometimes referred to as "a permanent solution to
a temporary problem." Don't let suicide rob you of better times that would have
come your way, if only you had allowed more time.
Problems are seldom as great as they appear at first glance. Job loss, financial
problems, loss of important people in our lives--all such stressful events can
seem horrible at the time they are happening. Then, months or years later, they
usually look smaller and more manageable. Sometimes, imagining ourselves
"five years down the road" can help us to see that a problem that currently
seems huge will pass and that we will survive.
Reasons for living can help keep you going when you are in pain. A famous
psychologist conducted a study of Nazi concentration camp survivors, and
found that those who survived almost always reported strong beliefs about
what was important in life. You, too, might be able to strengthen your
connection with life if you consider what has kept you going through hard times
in the past. Family ties, religion, love of art or nature, and dreams for the future
are just a few the things that provide meaning and gratification. Unfortunately,
we can lose sight of this hope during emotional distress.
Do not keep suicidal thoughts to yourself! Help is available for you, whether
through a friend, therapist, crisis hotline, or member of the clergy. Find
someone you trust and let them know how that you are thinking of suicide. This
can be your first step on the road to healing.
Suicide Support Groups: call the Mental Health Association of Central Virginia
at 434-847-9055
Suicide Warning Signs:
The mores signs observed, the greater the risk. Take ALL signs seriously!
Any previous suicide attempt
Acquiring a gun or pills
Depression, moodiness, hopelessness
Giving away prized possessions
Sudden interest or disinterest in religion
Drug or alcohol abuse, or relapse after a period of recovery
Unexplained anger, aggression, or irritability
Being fired
School troubles
Loss of any major relationship
Death of spouse, child, best friend by suicide
Diagnosis of a terminal illness
Sudden unexpected loss of freedom/fear of punishment
Anticipated loss of financial security
Loss of a cherished therapist, counselor, or teacher
Fear of becoming a burden to others
Thoughts of suicide, talking about suicide, having a plan of how to die
by suicide
Indirect verbal cues, such as “I’m tired of life, I just can’t go on” or
“Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about my” or “I just wish I could go
to sleep and never wake up”
What to do if someone you know is showing warning signs:
Be open to talking with them about their suicidal thoughts
Don’t be judgmental, act shocked, or debate whether suicide is right or
wrong
Ask them if they are thinking about suicide
Ask them if they have a plan
Remove easy methods they might use to kill themselves
Offer hope that alternatives to suicide exist
Listen to them; care about what the problem is
Persuade them to get help from a professional or contact 1-800-SUICIDE;
tell them you will go with them to get help
If they do not want to get help, contact a professional or call 1-800
suicide
Get help from friends, family, and others that are supportive
Don’t keep suicide a secret, even if you promised your friend; your
friend’s safety is much more important than not making your friend mad
For information on suicide, see our suicide resources
We also offer free suicide prevention training!
For help call 1-800-SUICIDE
Suicide Awareness Week
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| CRISIS LINE OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA, INC. |
If you or someone you know is in a life-threatening situation, call 911 immediately. To talk to a crisis counselor, call one of our hotlines. (434) 947-HELP(4357) National Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) |