MERIDIAN — As a part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, Monday is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day for all of us to learn and work together to help those in need. A day to start a conversation that runs into the future.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, please reach out for help by calling or texting the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 208-398-4357.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, each year close to 45,000 Americans die by suicide, and about half of those cases involve guns.
To help prevention locally, all week-long Independence Indoor Shooting in Meridian is giving away free gun locks to promote gun safety for Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.
All of this is part of an effort with the Veterans Administration, Idaho Suicide Prevention Coalition, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Meridian Police Department to make a difference and save lives.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, on average one person dies by suicide every 25 hours in Idaho.
Experts say being aware if the warning signs can help prevent those deaths.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says some warning signs to be aware of include:
• Threatening suicide
• Talking or writing about suicide
• Isolation or withdrawal (from family, friends, activities, etc.)
• Seeking methods to kill oneself
• Co-occurring depression, moodiness and hopelessness
• Unexplained anger, aggression or irritability
• Recent loss of family member or friend through divorce, suicide or other death
• Changes in eating, sleeping, personal care or other patterns
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Taking unnecessary risks/recklessness
• No longer interested in favorite activities or hobbies.
Health and Welfare has this big piece of advice - if you think someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts - ask the suicide question directly. Trust your gut if you are concerned about someone. Even if you are in doubt, ask.
Ask directly: “Are you thinking of suicide/killing yourself?” Or use the warning signs you’ve noticed to ask: “I’ve noticed you seem to be (warning signs). Sometime when people are (warning signs) they are thinking of suicide. Are you?”
Health and Welfare says you can instill hope for someone in need by using hopeful statements like, “I care if you live.” “I’m here for you.” “We’ll get through this.” Anything you can say that uses “we,” “us” or “let’s” is helpful because it implies two people together.
Encourage the person to discuss their reasons for living, their strengths, things that give them enjoyment, positive people or experiences in their lives.
Again, If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, please reach out for help by calling or texting the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 208-398-4357.
All calls are confidential and anonymous.