Start the Conversation; Save a Life!
Often, what appears to be a singular, external pressure or occurrence is merely “the last straw” when added to ongoing stressors, depression, and/ or hopelessness. Suicide is the result of a long-term “wearing away”- an erosion of the person’s ability to cope.
Preventing suicide is one of our society’s greatest challenges. That’s why The Flint Hills Volunteer Center has developed this Suicide Awareness P.A.C.T. program.
P.A.C.T. stands for Prevention, Awareness, Compassion, and Training.
Risk Factors
Individual
– History of mental health
– Serious illness such as chronic pain
– Job/ financial problems
– Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
– Substance misuse
Relational
– Bullying (in person or online)
– Family/ loved one’s history of suicide
– High conflict or violent relationships
– Loss of relationships
– Social isolation
Community & Societal
– Lack of access to healthcare
– Community violence
– Discrimination
– Stigma in seeking help & mental health
– Easy access to lethal means
– Unsafe media portrayals of suicide
Warning Signs
– Talking about being a burden, feeling trapped, etc.
– Being isolated
– Increased substance use
– Access to or looking for access to lethal means
– Extreme mood swings (high to low or low to high)
– Expressing hopelessness
– Changes in sleep- too much or too little
– Talking or posting about wanting to die
– Making plans for suicide
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