Understanding Suicide
Suicide does not discriminate against age, race, income, sex or religion; everyone is affected by suicide. Research has shown environmental factors that affect our mental health change as we age. Teens are confronted with unstable relationships with family, friends and boyfriends/girlfriends as well as the stress of school and sports. Adults can face financial and marital stressors along with having to care for aging parents. The elderly population, who were once independent and self-sufficient are watching family and friends pass away as well as facing their own mortality. Lastly, veterans, who sacrificed so much to protect our borders and those in other countries, come home with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse issues, and possibly marital discord.
These different stressors can lead an individual feeling hopeless and helpless without any reprieve. There is help available to help manage and even lessen the burden of carrying these feelings by yourself. Additional information on warning signs, risk and protective factors as well as how to help yourself or someone you know this experiencing suicidal behaviors or thoughts is provided below.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline Number 800-273-TALK (8255) or refer to "Find Help" on the left navigation for additional information.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others, please call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.