September is National Suicide Prevention Month. #BeThe1To — the hashtag and website used by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — was created not only for National Suicide Prevention Month, but it also serves as a meaningful resource throughout the year.

We can all prevent suicide. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide.

It’s important to know the warning signs of suicide. Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

To learn more about suicide prevention, please visit: https://988lifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for you. 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will directly route callers in the United States to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline is free and confidential. When people call or text 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. You can also chat with a trained counselor online by going to: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates in the United States. In addition to the resources provided by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, OSHA provides a list of resources for suicide prevention: https://www.osha.gov/preventingsuicides/

Credit to: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Vibrant Emotional Health, and OSHA

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