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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 2013)
For more information about the Siletz Tribe, please visit ctsi.nsn.us. Suicide Does Not End The Chances Of Life Getting Worse, Suicide Eliminates The Possibility Of It Ever Getting Better” ~ Unknown ¡CARD 5 PROGRAM & We Are All Here for a Reason The creator put you on mother earth for a reason. If someone you know is experiencing problems and may be thinking of suicide, your help can redirect them from hopelessness to wellness. Suicide is a big issue in the American Indian community today. In this complex and often overwhelming world people sometimes find themselves feeling hopeless, as if their lives are insignificant, as if they don’t matter. But each of us matter Our lives have a purpose. What to look for: Knowing what to look for and the warning signs of suicide are crucial in being able to save a life. There are many signs that someone may show if they are feeling that life is too much. Some of these include thinking or talking about suicide, anger, and withdrawal from those and things around them. So if you see any of these signs get help immediately. There are many more warning signs of suicide that can help you save a life. Begin talking about it Warning Signs of Suicide Your willingness to talk about suicide with a friend or family member can be the critical first step in prevention. Many people who are depressed cannot recognize their symptoms; you have to be their eyes and ears. You need to let your family member or friend know they can feel better, that suicidal thoughts are temporary and that there are people who can help them. If you don’t know how you should start the conversation, here are some questions to ask your friend or family member: Thinking, talking or wishing about suicide Drug or alcohol use or abuse, especially if there is an increase in use or a change in the kind of drug being used • Purposelessness or no sense of purpose or belonging • Anger • Trapped or feeling like there is no way out • Hopelessness like there is nothing to live for and no hope or optimism • Withdrawal from family, friends, work, school, activities, hobbies • Anxiety or restlessness, irritability, agitation • Recklessness or high risk-taking behavior • Mood disturbance or dramatic changes in mood "Do you ever feel so badly that you think about suicide?" "Do you have a plan to take your life?" "Have you thought about when you would do it (today, tomorrow, next week)?" "Have you thought about what method you would use?" Don’t try to minimize problems or shame a person into changing their mind Trying to convince a person that what they are feeling is not that bad, or that they have everything to live for may only in crease their feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Let them know that help is available, that suicidal feelings are temporary, that they are important members of the community, and that life can get better! • • NATIONAL SUICIDE Believe PREVENTION LIFELINE TM 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Suivie Prévenue: Ànretess suicidepreventionlifeline.org September 2013 • Siletz News • 7
