Preventing Suicide September 19, 2018

No one wants to think that the pain and sadness of a loved one is enough to cause suicidal feelings – but the reality is, suicide is one of the leading causes of death – and is on the rise in the US.

Knowing the signs, whether you see them in yourself or a loved one, is critical for intervention and prevention. Common risk factors of those who attempt suicide include:

• 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

Don’t be afraid to seek help at the first signs of depression or emotional distress in order to prevent circumstances from spiraling out of control. Help is available, and calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) can reduce emotional distress and the chances of self-harm.

Who should call?

• Anyone who feels sad, hopeless, or suicidal.
• Family and friends who are concerned about a loved one.
• Anyone interested in mental health treatment and service referrals.
• Those experiencing suicidal thoughts
• Those seeking information on suicide or mental health issues
• Those with substance abuse/addiction
• To help a friend or loved one
• If you are experiencing relationship problems
• Those experiencing abuse/violence
• If you are facing economic problems
• Those experiencing sexual orientation issues
• If you have a physical illness
• Feelings of loneliness or isolation
• If you are encountering family problems

Who and where am I calling?

• When you dial 1-800-273-TALK, you are calling the crisis center in the Lifeline network closest to your location. To find out what center is closest to you search the Crisis Center Locator.
• Lifeline’s service is free and confidential.
• The hotline is staffed by trained counselors.
• Someone will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• You will be provided with information about mental health services in your area that can help you.

What will happen when I call?

• You will hear a message saying you have reached the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
• You will hear hold music while your call is being routed.
• You will be helped by a trained crisis worker.
• You will be given mental health services referrals if needed.

How can I call?

• Dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
• If you are a TTY user, please use our TTY number: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889).
• Para obtener asistencia en español durante las 24 horas, llame al 1-888-628-9454.

At Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, we offer a free weekly psychiatry clinic for uninsured patients. visit www.bifmc.org to see if you are eligible to receive free, ongoing primary care and our specialty health services.

Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is a free clinic in Charleston, SC, that provides free medical care to eligible patients, just like any family practitioner or internist. The Free Clinic serves uninsured adults living at or below 200 % of the Federal poverty level who live or work on Johns, Wadmalaw or James Islands. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.