September is Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide is a serious public health matter, and prevention efforts are critical. September is Suicide Prevention Month, but it's always time to raise awareness, strengthen the dialogue and remind the people we care about that there are resources available to help prevent suicide.  

Suicide is preventable, and support is available throughout the year to promote positive mental health and increase resilience. 

Services are available throughout Fairfax County and include community-focused trainings to raise awareness about mental health and evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health trainings for all residents. 

The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN) provides information and opportunities for all residents to raise awareness and share resources to prevent suicide. 

Warning Signs - What to Look For

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says the following behaviors may be warning signs:

• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Giving belongings away.
• 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 unbearable pain.
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Displaying extreme mood swings.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness cites risk factors that could increase an individual’s likelihood to experience suicidal thoughts:

•  A family history of suicide.
• Substance use: Drugs can create mental highs and lows that worsen suicidal thoughts.
• Intoxication: Analysis from the CDC indicates around 1 in 5 people who die by suicide had alcohol in their system at the time of death.
• Access to firearms.
• A serious or chronic medical illness.
• Gender: Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
• A history of trauma or abuse.
• Prolonged stress.
• A recent tragedy or loss.

How to Respond to Someone in Crisis

• Use clear language such as, “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?”
• Calmly ask supportive questions like, “May I help you call for assistance?” See phone numbers below in the Resources section.
• Express support and concern.
• Don’t raise your voice, threaten or argue.
• If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace.
• Assess the surroundings and remove items such as guns, knives, pills or items that could be used as a weapon.
• Be patient. 

Resources

Asking a person if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal ideation. Learn how to identify, talk to and support someone who may be experiencing these warning signs by attending a Mental Health First Aid Training. QPR Suicide Prevention trainings are also a great opportunity to learn how to effectively support someone in distress. Both trainings are provided by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB). 

Sign up for Mental Health First Aid and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) trainings. 

Additionally, the Lock and Talk Northern Virginia safety program is a collaborative initiative of SPAN and CSB. This program offers free locking medication boxes and gun safety locks that fit a wide variety of firearms.

If you or someone you care about may be at risk of suicide, don't hesitate to reach out for help right away. These resources are available 24/7:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 9-8-8, chat at https://chat.988lifeline.org/.
• Call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
• In an immediate, life-threatening situation, call 911. 

You can also come directly to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Emergency Services, which is open 24/7.

• Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health
  8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax
  703-573-5679, TTY 711

Deciding to ask for help or to help someone who may be at risk for suicide can be scary, but taking one step to reach out for support could save a life.