What helps protect from suicide behaviors?
- Treatment for mental health and substance problems
- Support from family/friends, such as talking or enjoying activities together
- Identifying reasons for living, like raising children or caring for a pet
- Problem solving/stress management skills such as talking, relaxation, exercising or distraction (examples: working on a puzzle, a fun activity, playing with pet, etc).
- Cultural/religious beliefs against suicide – can talk to religious leaders/counselors
What are the warning signs to look for?
- Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
- Making a plan to die, such as planning when, where and how to kill themselves.
- Talking or writing about death/suicide, like:
“There is no way out”
“There is no reason to live”
“I’m no use to anyone”
- Giving away important and meaningful belongings like a car, special collections or other important items
- Staying away from friends or family or acting as if they will not see you again
- Drinking alcohol or using drugs more frequently or in larger amounts than before
- Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm or collecting medications or chemicals/poisons
- Changes in their mood, such as becoming very angry or sad
Who can I call?
National Suicide Hotlines (USA) Free / 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
- 1-800-SUICIDE (2433)
- 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Spanish: 1-800-628-9454
Switchboard of Miami Helpline
- (305)-358-HELP
- (305)-358-4357
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