National Prevention Week 2019
Preventing Suicide
How Will You Inspire Change and Help Prevent Suicide?
Suicide is preventable. By raising awareness of symptoms of suicidality, starting crucial conversations, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can help save lives.
Eaton County Youth Depression and Suicide Data
According to the Eaton County 2018 Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth Survey:
4 out of 10 Eaton County high schoolers reported symptoms of depression in the past year.
Over 2 in 10 students have seriously considered suicide, and 1 in 10 reports actually attempting.
One-third of these attempts resulted in medical treatment.
DISPARITIES: The disparity between students with good grades (A/B’s), and those who get bad grades (D/ F’s), is striking. Student success and depression and suicidal behaviors are intricately linked. Students with poor grades in Eaton County are twice as likely to have seriously considered, made plans for, or attempted suicide.
Analysis conducted by: Susan Peters, DVM, MPH, Health Analyst at www.barryeatonhealth.org
Eaton County 2018 Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth Data
Know the Warning Signs of Suicide
Be aware of warning signs or symptoms indicating a person may be at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help. By asking someone if they are thinking of killing themselves, you will not make someone suicidal. It is better to show concern and take action than to wait to be sure. Important note: Many people who are suicidal don't appear sad.
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
- Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
- Talking about great guilt or shame
- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
- Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
- Talking or thinking about death often
- Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Putting affairs in order
Source: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml
Help is Available
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline professionals say:
Evidence shows providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others. By offering immediate counseling to everyone that may need it, local crisis centers provide invaluable support at critical times and connect individuals to local services.
National Resources:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
1-800-273-8255
Trevor Lifeline: Toll-Free/24 hour/7 days a week The only national 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ young people under 25. Call: 1-866-488-7386 Text*: Text “START” to 678678 *see website for hours
The Veterans Crisis Line: Toll-free/24 hour/7 days a week The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even to those not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), then press 1 Text: 838-255
Local Resources:
The Listening Ear Crisis Hotline in East Lansing
24 hours / 7 days
(517) 337-1717
Clinton-Eaton-Ingham Community Mental Health Authority: 24/7 Crisis Services: 517-346-8460 Access Services: 517-346-8318 Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Children Emergency Services: 517-346-8008 Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-6:00 pm, 812 E. Jolly Rd. Lansing, MI 48910
Download these apps for your smartphone to stay safe and have quick access to crisis intervention resources for yourself and others:
● Jason Foundation
● Virtual Hope Box
● LifeArmor
● ASK and Prevent Suicide
● Suicide Safe by SAMHSA
Eaton County Substance Awareness Advisory Group (ECSAAG)
Email: ecsaag@eatonresa.org
Website: www.eatondrugfree.org
Location: Eaton Regional Education Service Agency, Packard Highway, Charlotte, MI, USA
Phone: 517-541-8912
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ECSAAG/