Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. Let's come together as a community to support one another, raise awareness, and spread hope. Remember, you are never alone—help is always available. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. LCSD is committed to the safety and wellness of our students, staff, families, and community. By knowing the signs, asking questions, and helping connect others to support, each person plays an important role in preventing suicide.
Know the Signs - While many may be comfortable talking about mental health the topic of suicide can still be scary when it comes up. Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. These are some possible indications that a person may be considering suicide: The first step toward intervention and support is awareness of suicidal warning signs, which include the following changes:
Behavioral: Withdrawing from friends and activities, giving away personal belongings, self-destructive behaviors, increased substance use, sudden mood improvement after depression.
Verbal: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or being a burden. Talking about death, dying, or wanting to die, making statements like "I can't take it anymore" or "I wish I weren't here," mentioning specific plans or methods for suicide.
Emotional: Drastic and sudden mood swings, overwhelming sadness, despair, emptiness, loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, intense irritability or anger.
Situational: Recent loss of a loved one, breakup, significant life changes, bullying or harassment, academic or work-related stress, financial difficulties, or other significant personal crises.
Physical: Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping), changes in appetite or weight loss/gain, decreased personal hygiene and self-care.
Social: Increasing social isolation and withdrawal from relationships, losing interest in social interactions or activities, feeling disconnected from friends, family, and self.
Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, preoccupation with death, dying, or the afterlife, intense guilt or shame.
Help Keep Them Safe - When you notice these warning signs, you should:
Initiate a conversation about suicide.
Provide active listening and non-judgmental support.
Encourage professional help through therapists, counselors, and helplines.
Involve trusted adults, such as parents/guardians, coaches, teachers, and mentors.
Create a safety plan in collaboration with the individual.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Learn more at www.nami.org
