Thread by @ProjectBuddy

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, here's a thread of suicide warning signs & ways you can help someone going through suicidal thoughts.

First off, it isn't always visible that someone is going through suicidal thoughts. Don't assume anyone isn't experiencing them.

There can be warning signs in what a person says, such as:
- feeling like a burden
- feeling worthless
- explicitly saying they want to die

Another verbal warning sign is if someone talks about feeling pain and wishing they could end it all.

There can be warning signs in a person's behavior, such as:
- alcohol/drug use
- sleeping too much/little
- giving away prized possessions

More warning signs in behavior include:
- acting recklessly
- looking for ways to end their life
- isolation from friends/family

There can be warning signs in a person's mood, such as:
- depression
- loss of interest
- rage
- irritability
- humiliation
- anxiety

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (available 24/7).

Another great resource you can use is Crisis Textline. You can get connected to a crisis counselor by texting START to 741-741.

If you are outside of the US, you can find your country's suicide hotline here: suicide.org/international-…

If you need help finding professional help, SAMHSA has a treatment services locator: findtreatment.samhsa.gov

If you know someone who is going through suicidal thoughts, please be there to give them support and actively listen. It helps so much.

Remember to be patient with them and check up often to see how they are doing.

If you are someone who doesn't have a mental illness or hasn't had suicidal thoughts, be an ally for those living with them.

We need more people to actively speak up about mental health and suicide. Although you may be one person, your voice can go a long way.

For more information on warning signs and risk factors for suicide, check out @afspnational's site: afsp.org/about-suicide/…