Suicide is a serious public health problem that causes immeasurable pain, suffering, and loss to individuals, families, and communities nationwide. The causes of suicide are complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors, such as mental illness, substance abuse, painful losses, exposure to violence, and social isolation. Suicide rates in the U.S. continue to rise every year and the largest number of suicides occur among those in the working-age population. The isolation of remote work and the emotional strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a new mental health crisis in the workplace.

For every person who dies by suicide annually, there are another 280 people who have thought seriously about suicide who don’t kill themselves, and nearly 60 who have survived a suicide attempt. The overwhelming majority of these individuals will go on to live out their lives. Following is information on suicide and important links for both help and more information.

Warning signs that may mean someone is at risk include:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Looking for a way to take one’s life
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Giving away possessions

The risk is greater if the behavior is new, or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

If you believe someone may be thinking about suicide:

• Call 911, if danger for self-harm seems imminent.
• Ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide (This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide).
• Listen without judging and show you care.
• Stay with the person (or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person) until you can get further help.
• Ask the person to remove any lethal means that could be used in a suicide attempt.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and follow their guidance.

In addition to the steps above, #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. Learn about each step and why the steps are effective at: https://www.bethe1to.com/bethe1to-steps-evidence

National Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center in a national network, where callers receive crisis counseling and mental health referrals.  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Crisis Text Line – Text HEAL to 741741.  This is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis.

Chat online:  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

Veterans Crisis Line – Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or Text 838255. Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This free support is confidential, available every day, 24/7, and services all veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve, and their family members and friends.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: https://www.sprc.org/

The Jason Foundation: https://jasonfoundation.com/ Geared toward youth.

The Trevor Project:  https://www.thetrevorproject.org/  Geared toward LGBTQ youth and young adults.

Support Groups and Resources for survivors: https://allianceofhope.org/, https://afsp.org/find-a-support-group/,

https://friendsforsurvival.org/, https://www.bethe1to.com/for-suicide-loss-survivors/

State Resources:

Washington: https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/InjuryandViolencePrevention/SuicidePrevention

Oregon: https://oregonalliancetopreventsuicide.org/

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/SAFELIVING/SUICIDEPREVENTION/Pages/crisislines.aspx

Idaho: https://www.idahosuicideprevention.org/

https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Families/SuicidePreventionProgram/tabid/486/Default.aspx

Alaska: http://dhss.alaska.gov/SuicidePrevention/Pages/default.aspx

 Local Resources:

24hr King County Crisis line: https://www.crisisconnections.org/  (formerly known as the Crisis Clinic)

Forefront Suicide Prevention: https://intheforefront.org/ UW group focused on reducing suicide by empowering individuals and communities with toolkits, workshops, and links to resources.

Teen Link: (866-833-6546) Teen Link is a confidential and anonymous helpline for teens. Trained teen volunteers are available to talk with you about any issue of concern. No issue is too big or too small!