Welcome to Suicide Prevention Week! Tuesday at the BOS meeting, a proclamation designated this week as Suicide Prevention Week in Inyo County and September 10th as World Suicide Prevention Day (you can view the submitted proclamation here). You can pick up Suicide Prevention ribbons (teal and purple) at the front desk of the COB. We are also doing a “Post-It Note Heart” activity in the front lobby at the COB. It is super easy and could be a fun moment to have with your clients, or just for yourself. Please take the time to participate! It is easy to recreate if you would like to do them at other HHS locations!
Throughout this week, individuals and organizations around the state and country join their voices to broadcast the message that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. We hope you will join us by participating in the Suicide Prevention Week Challenge (beginning yesterday, Monday, September 6). To get started download the challenge flyer and challenge card!
Many of us have been touched by the tragedy of suicide. We may have lost someone close to us or been moved by the loss of someone we may have never met. When a suicide happens, those left behind often experience deep shock. Even if they knew the person was struggling, they may not have expected suicide would be the result. However, many people who find themselves in a suicide crisis can and do recover. Suicide can be prevented, and everyone can play a role by learning the warning signs of suicide and finding the words to reach out to someone you are concerned about.
Know the Signs: Pain isn’t always obvious. Yet most people who are considering suicide show some warning signs or signals of their intentions. The signs or changes in behavior may appear in conversations, through their actions, or in social media posts. These are of most concern if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Learn more about the warning signs at www.SuicideisPreventable.org.
Find the Words and Create a Safe Space: Feeling connected to friends, family, and our community can be a protective factor for suicide. As we reenter and rebuild the fabrics of our daily life that were so fundamentally disrupted, reconnecting with supportive relationships, and practicing positive coping skills is essential for our emotional well-being. Use this time to reach out to someone in your life and let them know that you are comfortable to talk about anything they need, including suicide, and should they ever come to a point where they are questioning their reasons for living, you will be there to listen and support them. Creating this safe space at a time when there is no crisis is one way we can play a role in suicide prevention.
Find activities and more in the Suicide Prevention Week 2020 Kit here.
Connect with thousands throughout the country during Suicide Prevention Week by using the hashtags #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionWeek
