By Mary Cunningham

K. Pierre Eklou, DNP

K. Pierre Eklou, assistant professor in the #School of Nursing, shares expertise on what #behaviors may be signs of #suicidalthoughts and how to help. 

The #pandemic has increased general awareness and promotion of #mentalhealth; however, roughly 46,000 #Americans die by #suicide each year, according to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention (#CDC). This translates to about one death every 11 minutes. #Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and 25-34.  

During #SuicidePrevention Awareness Month (September), K. Pierre Eklou, assistant professor in the Department of Nursing, shines light on this often-stigmatized topic and promotes #suicideprevention. 

“#Suicide does not occur in a vacuum. There are always warning signs; knowing those can help prevent #suicide,” said Eklou, who is a Board-Certified #Psychiatric #MentalHealth #Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and runs Mason’s PMHNP program. “#Suicidalthoughts can manifest differently in each person, so there’s a range of #behaviors to watch for. If you are worried about someone, seek help. If you are worried about yourself, seek help. You are not alone.”  

Warning Signs of #SuicidalThoughts 

- Thoughts or discussion of wanting to die or having no reason to live 

- Thoughts of being a burden to others 

- Feeling isolated or withdrawn 

- Engaging in risky or reckless #behavior 

- Exhibiting mood swings 

- Lack of interest in future plans 

- Increasing use of #alcohol or other illicit substances 

- Acting anxious or agitated  

- Sleeping too much or too little 

- Giving away possessions 

- Saying “goodbye” to family, friends, or loved ones 

- Looking for ways to kill oneself 

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

What should you do if you or someone you know is having #suicidalthoughts? 

If you are having #suicidalthoughts, know that you are not alone, and help is available. If you know someone who is exhibiting #suicidalwarning signs, reach out to them and a professional for help. View Mason’s list of #suicideprevention resources here. 

Anyone in the #UnitedStates can call or text #988, the #NationalSuicide&CrisisLifeline, to be connected to trained #counselors who will listen, understand how someone’s problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. The #NationalSuicide&CrisisLifeline is working to change the conversation from “#suicide” to “#suicideprevention” to promote help and healing and to give hope. 

If you are in crisis or having #suicidalthoughts, contact #988 the #NationalSuicide&CrisisLifeline. 

Dr. Kossi Pierre Eklou is an assistant professor for the #School of Nursing at George Mason University. He is a Board-Certified #Psychiatric #MentalHealth #Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and is Mason’s PMHNP program coordinator. Eklou’s education and research interests include #psychiatric / #mentalhealth nursing, #substanceusedisorders, and population health with a focus on the underserved. Born in Togo (West Africa), Eklou has a particular interest in the #mentalhealthcare and education of those living in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

For media inquiries about Mason’s #mental and #behavioralhealth faculty experts, contact Michelle Thompson at 703-993-3485 or mthomp7@gmu.edu. 
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/07/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-what-to-look-for-warning-signs-of-suicidalthoughts/