Suicide Prevention Awareness

From our wellness partners at Wellspring EAP.

If you or someone you know is in an emergency you can:

• Call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
• Text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741
• Call 911 immediately

Suicide warning signs:

The more warning signs, the greater the risk of suicide.

• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for ways to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Abusing alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
• Having trouble sleeping
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Having extreme mood swings
• Giving away belongings, including treasured objects

Here are 5 steps you can take to be the one to help someone in emotional pain:

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may, in fact, reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone so it’s there when you need it: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

Source: Suicide Prevention, National Institutes of Mental Health, retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml on September 9, 2019

Business Health Trust members enrolled in an Industry Health Trust have access to up to three in-person visits with a counselor through Wellspring EAP. For more information on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Business Health Trust, view the plan summary.

If you would like to access your Wellspring EAP benefits, go to WellspringEAP.org; or to purchase Wellspring EAP services, email info@businesshealthtrust.com.