Lincoln – #SeptemberisSuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth, and every Nebraskan has a role in saving lives. More than 47,000 #Americans die by #suicide each year, but #suicide can be prevented. In Nebraska, a person dies by #suicide once every 32 hours. One of the most effective methods is to raise the subject with a loved one or friend who may be considering #suicide. 

“We know that it can be hard to start conversations about #mentalhealth," said Sheri Dawson, director of the Division of #Behavioral Health. “Many people can talk about physical health challenges, but may not know what to say when a loved one is experiencing #behavioralhealthchallenges. Preventing #suicide and connecting people to help always starts with a conversation. These are very important conversations that could save a life. Asking someone if they're thinking about #suicide can actually protect them. By asking someone directly about #suicide, you give them permission to tell you how they feel and let them know they are supported."

Family and friends are often the first to recognize the warning signs of #suicide, and they can take the first step toward helping a loved one find #mentalhealthtreatment. Warning signs include: 

Warning Signs of #Suicide

- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

- Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live

- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

- Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain

- Talking about being a burden to others

- Withdrawing from family and friends

- Giving away important possessions

- Saying goodbye to friends and family

- Putting affairs in order, such as making a will

- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

- Talking or thinking about death often?

Suicidal #behaviors are a psychiatric emergency. If you or a loved one starts to take any of these steps, seek immediate help and call 988:

- Collecting and saving pills or buying a weapon

- Giving away possessions

- Tying up loose ends, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts

- Saying goodbye to friends and family 

On July 16, the number for the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline became 988, an easy-to-remember number that provides direct access to compassionate care and support for anyone experiencing #mentalhealth-related distress or thoughts of #suicide. Downloadable materials for use by the public can be found at https://dhh?s.ne.gov/988. Nebraskans can call or text 988 and be connected to a trained #counselor. If you have a family or loved one that you are concerned about, 988 #counselors can provide assistance. Save a life, just make the call.  

It is also important this month to support those who have lost a loved one to #suicide. Because of the #stigma associated with #behavioralhealth, many times family and friends of a person who died by #suicide feel alone in dealing with their #grief.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Nebraska's Local Outreach to #Suicide Loss Survivors (LOSS) is an evidence-based active postvention (activities which reduces risk and promotes healing after a #suicide death) model. This model involves two or more trained volunteers, called a LOSS Team, proactively providing immediate support to those left behind. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Don Belau (founder of Nebraska LOSS) and Dr. Frank Campbell (Creator of the LOSS Team Postvention Model), LOSS Teams have been active and growing in Nebraska since July 2009.

LOSS Teams consist of trained #mentalhealthprofessionals and #suicide loss survivors. The #suicide loss survivors on the team have lost a loved one themselves to #suicide, got help, and want to be a resource to newly bereaved loss survivors. All members are trained to support survivors in their time of need.

“#Suicide deaths often surprise the person's friends, family, and loved ones, leaving them in mourning," said Dawson. “LOSS Team members have also faced the challenges of losing a person to #suicide and along with clinicians and trained community volunteers, the team can provide insightful support to the grieving process."

The LOSS team deploys only with the agreement of the survivor's family. Generally, the initial call-out will average 30 to 45 minutes in duration. The focus of the LOSS team is to provide a clear message of hope that the survivors can move through this time of shock and despair by providing information on a variety of resources available in the community and surrounding area.

To find a team near you, visit https://nebraskaloss.org/find-a-team-near-you/ .

Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:

- #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline: Dial 988 from your landline or cell phone.

- Your faith-based leader, your #healthcareprofessional, or #student health center.

- Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. (888) 866-8660

- Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258

- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para Español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

- National #DomesticViolence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522

- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453

- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

- Nebraska Regional Poison Center, 1-800-222-1222
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