September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In an effort to increase awareness of this issue and help destigmatize individuals who are having suicidal thoughts, TeamHealth provides useful tips for managing stress, and help define warning signs and action plans for those that may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, or those who know someone who is.
What leads to suicide?
While there is no single cause for suicide, mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, or serious health and or substance abuse problems can increase the risk of an individual taking his or her life.
Suicide Warning Signs
While you cannot predict if someone is going to take their own life, there are warning signs you can look for. If you notice a partner or colleague displaying any of the below behaviors, you should encourage them to speak with a mental health provider immediately.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much; withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline telephone number is 1-800-273-8255.
As a part of TeamHealth’s commitment to physical and mental well-being, we invest in programs to enhance available resources through LiveWell WorkLife services. These health resources and personalized support services help our clinical and non-clinical associates find the balance, support and care needed to live the healthiest lives possible. For more information on this program visit our clinician wellness page, and to sign up for services contact michelle_beuchat@teamhealth.com.