Suicide Prevention Awareness

Suicide Prevention Awareness

National Suicide Prevention Week 2016  Sept. 5 – 11 

World Suicide Prevention Day 2016  Sept. 10

Arapahoe County recognizes suicide is a serious public health issue that can have lasting harmful effects on you, your family, friends, co-workers and the community. The causes are complex but our goal of suicide prevention is simple. We want to help individuals realize that suicide is not the answer and that help is out there.

Resources and information will be available at County buildings. Citizens are encouraged to wear a yellow ribbon to raise awareness that can make a difference in someone’s life.

Resources

• AllHealth Network (Previously Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network)

• Emergency and Crisis Intervention: 303-730-3303

• For information and appointments: 303-730-8858

• Aurora Mental Health — For information and appointments: 303-617-2300

• Colorado Crisis Services — 24/7 Hotline: 1-844-493-TALK(8255) Walk in locations across state

• The Trevor Project for LGBT Youth 1-866-488-7386

• Mantherapy.org — To help men who need someone to talk to. This website may be a good starting point for men who may be dealing with depression or mental health issues and need professional treatment.

• Thesecondwindfund.org — The mission of Second Wind Fund is to decrease the incidence of suicide in children and youth by removing the financial and social barriers to treatment.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource that connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders.

Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net, or send a text message to 838255 to receive free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. VA also provides support for Service members through the Military Crisis Line. Service members and their families and friends can call and text the Veterans Crisis Line numbers and can chat online at www.MilitaryCrisisLine.net/Chat.

Suicide Warning Signs

• Learn the warning signs and you may save a life.

• Appearing depressed or sad most of the time.

• Talking or writing about death or suicide.

• Withdrawing from family or friends.

• Feeling hopeless.

• Feeling helpless.

• Feeling strong anger or rage.

• Feeling trapped – like there is no way out of a situation.

• Experiencing dramatic mood changes.

• Abusing drugs or alcohol.

• Exhibiting a change in personality.

• Acting impulsively.

• Losing interest in most activities.

• Experiencing a change in sleeping habits.

• Experiencing a change in eating habits.

• Performing poorly at work or in school.

• Giving away prized possessions.

• Writing a will.

• Feeling excessive guilt or shame.

• Acting recklessly.

IN A LIFE-THREATENING

EMERGENCY CALL 911

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).