SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP IS AVAILABLE

Clifton Journal (NJ) - 4/8/2016

After a holiday weekend, many people wake up with memories of special celebrations with family and friends. As mental health and suicide prevention advocates, we wake to stories of suicide. We don't know the details about the men who were lostFor the other one of us, these tragic stories are reminders of having lost a loved one to suicide and my own struggles with major depression and a suicide attempt.

For both of us, they reinforce our mission to save lives through mental-health and suicide-prevention education.

Our country is facing a crisis, and we are only starting to talk about it. We need to be screaming the messages from rooftops, "no one would be better off without you in the world! There is hope for healing!"

Suicide is a symptom of an illness. What would happen, we wonder, if this was treated for what it really was: a very sad, tragic death of someone who struggled with a mental disorder? The news article could share information on where to get help. People reading the news article could identify with the person and realize there is hope for healing. Mental disorders are 70 to 90 percent treatable. Many people live normal, successful lives with mental disorders.

People who die by suicide do not want to die. They want to end the pain. Stigma prevents them from asking for help. If you are concerned about someone, ask them these questions: "Are you thinking of killing yourself?" "Do you have a plan?" It could be a relief for someone who is struggling to know you recognize their pain and you want to ensure he/she seeks treatment.

As we tell students when we give our Coming Up For AIR presentation in schools, they could save a friend's life if they know the signs and how to respond:

* Say you are concerned and want to help.

* Express empathy.

* Respect the person's culture.

* Clearly state thoughts of suicide are common and that help is available.

* Emphasize that thoughts of suicide do not have to be acted upon.

* Listen nonjudgementally.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families who lost loved ones this past weekend. We understand the pain they are going through.

Local resources:

1. 2nd Floor Youth Helpline of New Jersey - text: 2NDFLOOR - www.2NDFLOOR.org - 888-222-2228

2. Perform Care New Jersey - authorizes and refers children to services throughout the state - 877-652-7624 - www.PerformCareNJ.org

3. New Jersey Youth Resource Spot - www.NJYRS.org

4. New Jersey Hopeline - Crisis hotline - 855-654-6735