September is Suicide Awareness Month
Information Events
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.
Are you in a crisis?
-
If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
-
If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Suicides have become the second-leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States according to the Population Reference Bureau[1]. It's important for loved ones to know the signs and symptoms and know what to do and where to go for help.
Information
Some signs and symptoms you may notice...
Here are a few warning signs of suicide:
-
Increased alcohol and drug use
-
Aggressive behavior
-
Withdrawal from friends, family and community
-
Dramatic mood swings
-
Impulsive or reckless behavior
-
Intense sadness and/or hopelessness
-
Not caring about activities that used to matter
-
Traumatic event
-
Family history with suicide
Suicidal behaviors are a psychiatric emergency. If you or a loved one starts to take any of these steps, seek immediate help from a health care provider or call 911:
-
Collecting and saving pills or buying a weapon
-
Giving away possessions
-
Tying up loose ends, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts
-
Saying goodbye to friends and family
More information on the NAMI website
If your child or teen is facing difficulties with mental health, Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health may be able to help. Call 757-461-4565 today for a no-cost, confidential assessment. No referral or emergency room visit is needed. More information here.
CIBH Newsletter
NAMI Newsletter
Events
Suicide Awareness events in the area.
September 7th
Morning of Hope event
This initiative is locally sponsored by the Hampton Roads Survivors of Suicide Support Group Inc., a non-profit organization for those who have lost a loved one to suicide.This will be a program of awareness, remembrance and celebration.
Opened with a “Welcome” from Virginia Beach Mayor "Bobby" Dyer; emceed by Tom Schaad WAVY-TV 10 Anchor and with messages from several featured speakers.
Where: Mount Trashmore, 310 Edwin Dr in Virginia Beach
Time: 8am check in.
Visit website for more information.
September 10th
City of Chesapeake Proclamation
September 13th
Shatter the Silence
The 4th Annual Shatter the Silence is a collaborative prevention event bringing youth and community partners together to celebrate wellness and raise awareness of suicide in our community.
Spread the word! To adults, youth groups, sports teams, clubs, professionals, etc. Everyone is welcome and the event is FREE!! Door Prizes, snacks, and many other giveaways!!
September 28th
Teen Suicide Prevention Forum
