WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THIS? On average, there are 123 suicides per day.

3 LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR AGES 15-18 IN ALABAMA 3 LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR AGES 15-18

TRUE OR FALSE

Suicide only affects individuals with a mental health condition.

Fact: Many individuals with mental illness are not affected by suicidal thoughts and not all people who attempt or die by suicide have mental illness.

Once an individual is suicidal, he or she will always remain suicidal

Fact: Active suicidal ideation is often short- term and situation- specific.

Most suicides happen suddenly without Warning.

Fact: Warning signs, verbally or behaviorally precede most suicides.

People who die by suicide are selfish and take the easy way out.

Fact: Typically, people do not die by suicide because they do not want to live.

Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide.

Fact: Talking about suicide not only reduces the stigma; allows individuals to seek help, rethink their opinions and share their story with others. We all need to talk more about suicide.

01 02 03 What leads to suicide? There’s no single cause for suicide Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. 02 Most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life. 03

01 02 03 Suicide Warning Signs Change in behavior or new behaviors Behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. 02 Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do 03

Risk Factors and Warning Signs TALK BEHAVIORS MOOD Risk Factors and Warning Signs

TALK If a person talks about: Killing themselves Feeling hopeless Having no reason to live Being a burden Feeling trapped Unbearable pain

BEHAVIORS Behaviors that may signal risk: Increased use of alcohol or drugs Looking for a way to end their lives Withdrawing from activities Isolating from family and friends Sleeping too much or too little Visiting or calling people to say goodbye Giving away prized possessions Aggression

MOOD People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods: Depression Anxiety Loss of interest Irritability Humiliation/Shame Agitation/Anger Relief/Sudden Improvement

What we say — and how we listen — matters What we say — and how we listen — matters. Sometimes all it takes to help prevent suicide is trusting your instinct, reaching out to someone you're concerned about, and having a Real Conversations. #YOUMATTER

If you're struggling today, you are not alone. or text TALK to 741741 at the @CrisisTextLine National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

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