Suicide Prevention: How can I help?
Did you know suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24, and LGB youth are nearly 5 times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth? (The Trevor Project). Here are 5 ways everyone can help prevent suicide:
1. Learn the warning signs of suicide
If someone is exhibiting these signs, especially if the behavior is new or worsening, seek help.
Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
Looking for a way to kill themselves, like 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 isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Extreme mood swings
2. Know the risk factors
Sometimes events or circumstances may influence someone to consider suicide. Knowing these risk factors can help you be more aware.
Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
Alcohol and other substance use disorders
Hopelessness
Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
History of trauma or abuse
Major physical illnesses
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Family history of suicide
Job or financial loss
Loss of relationship(s)
Easy access to lethal means
Local clusters of suicide
Lack of social support and sense of isolation
Stigma associated with asking for help
Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
3. Talk about it and listen
Asking about suicide doesn’t make it more likely to happen. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “Some are afraid that by asking someone if they’re having thoughts of suicide, it will put the idea in their head, or push them to take their lives. (Which research shows is NOT true.)” Take the time to listen and make efforts to open the dialogue. Listening can help them know YOU CARE and are there to support them.
4. Get help
Providing support services like immediate counseling, contacting a crisis line, or taking them to an emergency room can save a life. Flourish Point does not have a crisis line. If you or someone you know is in danger please call 911, visit your nearest emergency room, text START to 678-678 (TrevorText), or call the Trevor Hotline at 1-866-488-7386.
5. Help us provide subsidized therapy
One of our missions is to provide competent, affirming, & affordable therapy LGBTQ+ individuals in Rexburg and surrounding areas. According to The Trevor Project, in 2020 nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth weren’t able to receive the mental health care they were seeking. Many of our clients are college students and cannot afford the cost of therapy. Even a $20 co-pay that seems reasonable to many people becomes overwhelming when one has to decide between buying groceries and paying for therapy. When you give a small monthly gift to Flourish Point you are providing hope and access to mental health care to a community in need.
$10 a month ——- sponsors a student with insurance for half of a semester worth of co-pays
$25 a month ——- sponsors a student for a semester of group sessions
$50 a month ——- sponsors a student for 6 full individual sessions
Or consider donating your time to join our cause. You can find our volunteer application here.