Suicide Prevention Life Line

My son lost a friend who committed suicide this week. I feel it is important for me to pass along this information. As a parent you want to make sure your kids are always safe, well fed, doing good in school, and etc... but do we really know how they feel or what they think. I did not personally know this little boy. But he was a junior in high school and attended church youth classes with my son. He is remembered by all his family and friends. We can only wonder what he was thinking about or what happened? I reflect on this my fellow readers, followers, and moms and have provided some information for you, or for you to pass along. This is a problem everywhere. It is scary when it hits close to home. My son is very sad right now about his friend. What do you tell a 12 year old about someone who commits suicide? All I can do is tell him I love him, reassure him about our love, tell him he can talk to us, family, friends, church, etc., and be here for him. But before this hits home read below this may be of some use to you, it may not. Regardless I thought I would share. These are my my own words. I was not asked to talk about this. Hug your kids and tell them how much you love them. Today may be the day they need to hear it, and feel loved. Remember take it a day at a time. If you need help or need to talk to someone, call the hotline, phone a friend. Talk to someone.


Are you in crisis? Please call 1-800-273-TALK

Are you feeling desperate, alone or hopeless? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call will be routed to the nearest crisis center to you.

•Call for yourself or someone you care about
•Free and confidential
•A network of more than 140 crisis centers nationwide
•Available 24/7

The Lifeline Network answers thousands of calls from people in emotional distress. There are many reasons for their calls. Please call for any of the following reasons:

Suicidal thoughts
Information on suicide
Information on mental health/illness
Substance abuse/addiction
To help a friend or loved one
Relationship problems
Abuse/violence
Economic problems
Sexual orientation issues
Physical illness
Loneliness
Family problems

Who should call?

•Anyone who feels sad, hopeless, or suicidal.
•Family and friends who are concerned about a loved one.
•Anyone interested in mental health treatment and service referrals.

Who and where am I calling?

•When you dial 1-800-273-TALK, you are calling the crisis center in the Lifeline network closest to your location. To find out what center is closest to you search the Crisis Center Locator.
•Lifeline’s service is free and confidential.
•The hotline is staffed by trained counselors.
•We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
•We have information about mental health services in your area that can help you.

What will happen when I call?

•You will hear a message saying you have reached the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
•You will hear hold music while your call is being routed.
•You will be helped by a trained crisis worker.
•You will be given mental health services referrals if needed.

How can I call?

•Dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
•If you are a TTY user, please use our TTY number: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889).
•Para obtener asistencia en español durante las 24 horas, llame al 1-888-628-9454.

What Are The Warning Signs For Suicide?

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:

•Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
•Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
•Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
•Feeling hopeless
•Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
•Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking
•Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
•Increasing alcohol or drug use
•Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
•Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
•Experiencing dramatic mood changes
•Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life

For more information, go to Suicide Prevention Life Line