September 2016 is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month which helps promote awareness and resources around the topic of suicide prevention. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Thoughts of suicide are sometimes acted upon but can be prevented by seeking help.
Learn to recognize some risk factors and warning signs of someone who might be at risk:
- Changes mood or behavior suddenly
- Withdraws from friends and family
- Experiences recent trauma/life crisis
- Gives away prized possessions
- Suffers sleeping problems
- Increases alcohol and/or drug use
- Threatens suicide
These are just a few of the signs that someone may be experiencing so stay vigilant of other signs that may warrant attention.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately. Additional resources are listed below.
Crisis Intervention and Other Resources
- Emergency – 911
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – Press 1 for Military Crisis Line
- Military One Source – 1-800-342-9647
- Fort Family Outreach & Support Center: 1-866-345-8248 or www.arfp.org
- Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline – 1-800-984-8523