During National Suicide Prevention Month, there are many signs that everyone should be aware of before someone dies by suicide.

Senior Life Solutions Program Director Michelle Lori at Dallas County Hospital says some of the signs of someone who may be having suicidal thoughts include a lack of interest in future plans, sudden personality changes, feelings of depression and social isolation, along with them saying they feel hopeless and giving away their personal, prized possessions. She offers this advice to concerned friends and family.

“Reduce the suicide person’s access to lethal means that’s important in suicide prevention. Be there, listen, learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Help them make a connection.” 

Lori notes group therapy can also help because everyone in that environment is going off of shared experiences.

“They’re boosting their self esteem and confidence by interacting with other members that are receiving feedback from those group members and the therapist. Each group member gains a greater understanding of themself as they as the opportunity to create relationships with others who maybe facing similar challenges.”

According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, there were 130 suicides per day in 2020 and over 45,000 people in the US died by suicide. Lori says some resources that these individuals can access include the National Suicide Prevention Hotline and the Crisis Text Line.

 

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-talk

Crisis text line: 741 on your smartphone

988 is national suicide prevention number