North Matters!

Suicide Prevention

Monique Bever, Reporter
September 22, 2021

This issue of North Matters! is surrounding suicide prevention. Fitting as September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

If you’ve lost someone to suicide or attempted yourself you understand how suicide and suicidal ideation can impact a life. Clinical warning signs of suicide are

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself;
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself;
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose;
  • Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain;
  • Talking about being a burden to others;
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs;
  • Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless;
  • Sleeping too little or too much;
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated;
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and
  • Displaying extreme mood swings.

If someone you know is showing any of these signs it’s a good idea to voice your support and appreciation to them. Reposting infographics on your Instagram story or labelling yourself a mental health advocate is nice, sure,  but all you can and should do to prevent suicide is be a kind person. We all share and covet our own struggles. Have you ever struggled asking for help? Because you aren’t alone. And so random gestures can make a down person feel seen and cared for. The world is admittedly not a peaceful or comfortable place to live but by adding positivity into our interactions we brighten it. You are not alone. You will never be alone. Family or no family, there is a community out there in which you are cared for.

“North Matters!” will begin sharing student stories, but as suicide is a story that is so painful as well as personal I’ve chosen not to out of respect.

 

If you or someone you know is considering or planning on harming themselves please contact a parent, counselor, trusted adult, a crisis hotline, and depending on the severity of situation an emergency number. and of course if you need advice or someone to talk to you can message me at  [email protected] anytime. National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255, NAMI(national alliance on mental illness) 741-741, Local Crisis Center (316) 660-7525.