Everyone Plays A Part In Preventing Suicide
Recognize The Warning Signs and Connect to Help
Individual Protective Factors
- Abstinence from alcohol and other drugs
- Help-seeking behavior
- Friends and supportive significant others
- Hope for the future
- Having goals
- Pets/Connectedness to others
- Good problem-solving skills
Family Protective Factors
- Strong interpersonal bonds, especially with family and adults
- Family cohesion
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation
- Ability to cope and handle crises
What families can do to help their children feel connected:
- Children who eat regularly with their families are less likely to smoke, drink, use illegal drugs, have sex at young ages, get into physical fights, be suspended from school, or have thoughts of suicide.
Examples of Suicide Risk
Keep in mind that ONE of these risks alone, does NOT mean suicide is imminent. Look for combinations of risk factors. Look for changes in behavior/mood.
- Difficulties at school, work
- Neglect of appearance, hygiene
- Dropping out of activities
- Sudden improvement in mood after being down or withdrawn
- Giving away favorite possessions
Warning Signs for Suicide: Cause for Concern
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling rage or uncontrollable anger or seeking revenge
- Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
- Dramatic mood changes
- Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities – seemingly without thinking
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Feeling anxious or agitated; being unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time
Warning Signs For Suicide: Cause for Immediate Action!
- Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
- Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
- Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide
Connect with Help
- Local community mental health center
- Primary care provider
- School nurse/guidance counselor
- Pastoral counselor
- Other qualified professionals
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Vermont 2-1-1
Things to remember about Suicide…
- Suicide is generally preventable.
- We all have a role and responsibility in preventing suicide.
- Recognizing risk factors and warning signs is the first step to preventing suicide.
Resources about Mental Health & Suicide
Suicide Prevention Resources
You are not alone!
If you or someone you know is suicidal . . .
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7):
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Strategy for Suicide Prevention:
For Mental Health Emergencies
In the Lamoille Valley:
Lamoille County Mental Health Emergency Services Call (802) 888 5026
In Vermont:
United Way of Vermont (24/7) Call 2-1-1
Across the U.S.A:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7)
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
Press “1” for Veterans
American Association of Suicidology:
The Vermont Youth Suicide Prevention Project:
Center for Health and Learning
802-254-6590
Suicide Prevention Resource Center:
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Want to help at a deeper level?
Get more info or training! Contact: Nicole Miller at the Center for Health and Learning: mailto:nicole@