2019 World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day is a worldwide awareness day held on September 10, 2019 with the focus of raising commitment and action to prevent suicide.
The 2019 theme is "Working Together to Prevent Suicide."

Raise awareness about the warning signs of suicide.
Have compassion for those in the community who may be experiencing mental health feelings of distress
Download this brochure from the International Association for Suicide Prevention to learn more on the many layers of working together as a community to prevent suicide

Unbearable feelings: extreme feelings of hopelessness, despair, self-doubt.
Taking care of business: making end of life plans, preparing wills, giving away valued possessions.
Rehearsing suicide: discussing suicide methods, purchasing weapons or acquiring large quantities of medication.
Drug or alcohol use: can cause impulsive behaviors.
Isolation: cutting off social connections with friends, family, quitting job.
Sudden sense of calm: a person who was recently feeling upset or hopeless suddenly seems very calm and settled. It might be a sign that he or she has decided on a plan to complete suicide.

Discuss with your doctor if you are thinking of suicide. It is important to recognize these thoughts for what they are: expressions of a treatable medical illness. These thoughts are not true and they are not your fault. Don’t let fear, shame or embarrassment stand in the way of communication with your physician, therapist, family, or friends: tell someone right now.
Tell a trusted family member, friend, or other support person. Try not to be alone when you feel this way.
Get help. Tell your health care professional. Suicidal thinking can be treated. When suicidal thoughts occur, they are your signal that you need help.
Know that you can get through this and learn to effectively manage your mood disorder.
Promise yourself you will overcome these feelings for another day, hour, minute, or whatever you can and get help.

It’s very helpful to have a safety plan ready before thoughts of suicide occur.
Make a Plan for Life. Make a plan to stay alive and follow it—seek Help
Stay in contact with your doctor. Always have your doctor's phone number with you, as well as a suicide hotline number, 713–970-7000.
Stay in contact with trusted friends. Develop a list of phone numbers with those you trust and keep it with you.
Recognize symptoms for what they are. Remember feelings are not facts. Suicidal feelings are not your fault and they are only a symptom of your illness.
Write down your thoughts. Spend time each day writing down things and people that you appreciate and bring you joy. Refer to this when you feel low, sad, or suicidal. A mood tracker is helpful.
Connect with other people socially. When you are feeling suicidal, don’t be alone for long periods of time. Seek trusted friends.
Avoid drugs and alcohol. Consumption of drugs and alcohol can lead to actions that could be very dangerous.
Know when it’s best to go to the hospital. Ask for help if you need it!
Understand your health coverage. If you have insurance, call the number on the back of your card for providers.
Keep yourself safe. Make sure you don’t have access to guns or weapons.
Give yourself time to get better.

If you are in need of IMMEDIATE crisis services, please call (713) 970-7000.
re:MIND is not a crisis service