chandrarueff1961-yasmb

If you want it straight from the source, go to:

988Lifeline.org, or Lifeline-International.com

What I’m posting here is not meant to replace them. I’m just trying to get the word out and correct lousy information I have put here before.

Tomorrow, Sept. 10, is Worldwide Suicide Awareness Day. My previous posts have been pretty egocentric, focused on my personal experiences. And please know, just because I say, “I CHOOSE to live,” doesn’t mean that you or anyone else has that capacity at any given time. I don’t have a superpower; my furry dog is a pretty flimsy lifeline, and I really don’t know that I will be able to choose to live under other circumstances. At the time that I wrote that “I CHOOSE,” I meant it to be helpful. Now I see that it was just condescending and self-centered. I am so sorry.

This is about anyone out there who feels like their life is not worth living. That is a miserable and lonely place. I know.

If you’re in that awful place, there are immediate resources available to you to help. In the United States and Canada, all you have to remember is the number 988. You can dial 988, text 988, or chat at 988Lifeline.org, which also has information about contacting them if you’re deaf or hard of hearing. 1-800-SUICIDE (which may be more familiar to some, like veterans, for example) will patch you over to 988. They do their best to keep every system up and running 24/7, but if stuff happens and you can’t get through, 911 is your go-to. 988 is a bilingual (English or Español) service. There are similar hotlines in 31 other countries. Their information is available at lifeline-international.com.

At the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the counselors are trained and have resources to help them work effectively with individuals from many different cultures and/or those experiencing a specific type of crisis related to their situation, lifestyle, life stage, etc. Here’s a list right off the 988Lifeline.org webpage:

• American Indian/Alaskan Natives
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing Populations – use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988 or go to 988 ASL Videophone (the link is on the 988Lifeline.org website)
• Those with Developmental Disabilities or Autism
• Disaster/Mass Violence Impacted Communities
• First Responders/Health Care Workers
• Hispanic/Latino Community
• LGBTQ+ Community
• Older Adults
• Rural Communities
• Service Members and Veterans (1-800-SUICIDE will get you to 988)
• Those with Substance Use Disorders

For the LGBTQ+ community, in particular for those who are under 25, there used to be a specialized LGBTQ+ subnetwork. Not sure why, but it was not a 988Lifeline decision. As mentioned above, the counselors at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline do receive training to effectively provide services to the lGBTQ+ Community. If you need other information, please go to the 988Lifeline.org website and ask.

I’ve read that the number of suicides as higher in September than any other month. I’ve read that the suicide rate is higher in Alaska than any other state. I’ve read that, of any particular group, suicides are highest among those who are 85 or older. I’m saying, “I read that…,” because it’s kind of like saying, “they say that…” which leads one to ask, “who says?” Just because I say, “I read that…” doesn’t mean that if you’re not among these groups, you shouldn’t worry about yourself. Same if you don’t find yourself on the above 988 list. If you need to talk about it or need help with it, call them. If you, like me, are phone-call avoidant, text them or chat with them on their website

Across all of the demographics, there are signs and information that I’m sharing (well, copying straight from the source) to help everyone here to know if someone you know might be at risk. This is not “I read that…” or “They say that…” information. It’s straight off The Suicide Prevention Resource Center, website, SPRC.org:

Common Warning Signs

• Feeling unbearable pain
• Death or a recent fascination with death
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or trapped
• Feeling guilt, shame, or anger
• Feeling like they are a burden to others

Changes in behavior or mood:

• Recent suicide attempt
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Losing interest in personal appearance or hygiene
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or community
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
• Giving away prized possessions
• A recent episode of depression, emotional distress, and/or anxiety
• Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns
• Becoming violent or being a victim of violence
• Expressing rage

When to Seek Professional Help Immediately

Some behaviors may indicate an emergency is happening or that a person is in crisis. If you observe the following behaviors, you should immediately connect the person with professional help, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, emergency medical services, or a mental health professional.

• Talking about immediate harm to oneself or others
• Planning to attempt suicide (for example, searching online for information about how to attempt suicide)
• Acting in such an erratic manner that you are concerned about their safety

Please, everybody, go on the social media site(s) of your choice and help me spread the word. Tomorrow is International Suicide Awareness Day. That doesn’t mean, wait until tomorrow. Do it now. I’m pretty certain that there’s someone out there who needs help now.