Suicide Prevention Week – Know the signs

September 8 through 14 marks the 40^th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week and September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. The purpose of Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day is to create awareness and provide information and education about the warning signs of suicide as well as reduce the stigma surrounding the topic of suicide.  The warning signs of emotional pain or suicidal thoughts aren’t always obvious.

Suicide is real, but can also be preventable.  According to the International Association for Suicide, the number of lives lost each year through suicide exceeds the number of deaths due to homicide and war combined.  Knowing what to look for and finding the words to show concern and support may be a life-saving act.

Here are some warning signs:

• Talking about wanting to die or suicide
• Feeling hopeless, desperate or trapped
• Giving away possessions
• Putting affairs in order
• Reckless behavior
• Anger
• Increased drug or alcohol use
• Withdrawal
• Anxiety or agitation
• Changes in sleep
• Sudden mood changes
• No sense of purpose

More information on the warning signs and ways to help can be found at www.suicideispreventable.org.  The national suicide prevention lifeline phone number is 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).

For County of San Bernardino residents in need of a Crisis Walk-in Clinic (CWIC) the following CWICs are available:

For residents who are experiencing a mental health related emergency the Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) is available for assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:

For all numbers listed, TTY users may dial 711.