Mountain Pacific Blog

If you are struggling with depression and thinking about suicide, you’re not alone. There is help. If you think a friend or family member may be depressed and suicidal, talk to them to see if they have the warning signs and get them help if needed.

No matter what time it is, help is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Calls to the suicide prevention hotlines below are free and trained professionals are waiting:

Alaska suicide prevention hotline – 1-800-478-7575
Hawaii suicide prevention hotline – 1-800-753-6879
Montana suicide prevention hotline – 1-800-273-8255
Wyoming suicide prevention hotline – 1-800-457-9312
National suicide prevention hotline – 1-800-273-8255; Text “GO” to 741741

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and someone dies by suicide every 12 minutes in this country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More people die from suicide in the U.S. than automobile accidents. Montana, Wyoming and Alaska have the highest suicide rates in the nation.

If you think a friend or a loved may be thinking about suicide, look for the warning signs listed below. Depression is a leading contributor to suicide. And people who have depression coupled with a mental illness or substance abuse problem are at higher risk of suicide. The good news? Depression can be treated. Urge them to seek care.

Know the warning signs of suicide:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Using alcohol or drugs more often
• Exhibiting anxious, agitated or reckless behavior
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing from friends and wanting to be left alone
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Having a plan for dying by suicide
• Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order
• Being preoccupied with death or dying
• Changing normal routines (including sleeping and eating patterns)

Warning signs aren’t always obvious… some people may talk about their suicidal thoughts/intentions, others may not.

If someone has the signs:

• Do not leave the person alone
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255
• Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
• Get others involved

Know what not to say:

• Suicide is a selfish and cowardly act
• Think about how your death will hurt people
• Other people have worse problems and don’t want to kill themselves
• People who commit suicide go to hell
• How can you think of suicide, things aren’t that bad
• You don’t really want to die

Know what to say:

• Validate feelings: “You sound upset, it seems that you’re frustrated?”
• Validate the circumstances: “I’m worried, how long this has been going on?”
• Ask the tough questions: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” “Have you ever felt so down that you thought of ending your life?”