September was recognized as suicide prevention awareness month. Knowledge of warning signs and what preventive actions to take is the first step in connecting a person with suicide “first aid” resources. Knowledge is a very powerful tool in helping to save a family member, friend or neighbor and learningabout “who” to connect them to.
A few examples of warning signs may include feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped (“There’s no way out.”); belief that things will never get better or change; drug use or over medicating; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame and self-hatred; feeling like a burden – “Everyone would be better off without me.”
Overall, suicide can be prevented. A person at risk is usually ambivalent and the thought is almost always temporary.
The Tioga County Suicide Prevention Community Coalition is comprised of several community agencies committed to providing training and resources to prevent suicides for all age groups. The coalition’s mission is to increase public awareness about suicide through providing education, training resources and coordinated support services in our community. We offer free trainings for all agencies, businesses and schools. All of our prevention trainers are fully certified under the NYS Office of Mental Health. We can also connect those who have lost a loved one by a suicide to support.
If you know someone who needs support or would like to request one of our free trainings, call our local Tioga County Mental Hygiene crisis number at 687-4000 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or walk-in to the Owego or Waverly Clinic, no appointment is necessary.
After hours, call 687-1010 and ask for the crisis worker. You can also TEXT: 741741 and put “HOME” in the text box and be connected to a crisis counselor. (Veterans can Text: 838255.)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can also be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This number can be dialed from anywhere in the United States 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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