The Cayuga County Health Department is urging residents to learn the warning signs of suicide and mental distress during National Suicide Prevention Month. Anyone who needs immediate mental health support can call or text 988 at any time.
The department said recognizing warning signs in adults, children and teenagers can help save a life. A graphic shared by the department says the behaviors may indicate that someone is thinking about suicide, particularly when they’re new or have increased recently.
Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die, experiencing great guilt or shame, or believing they’re a burden to others.
A person may also describe feeling empty, hopeless or trapped, or say they have no reason to live. Other possible signs include extreme sadness, anxiety, agitation or rage, along with unbearable emotional or physical pain.
Behavioral changes may include making a plan or researching ways to die. Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important possessions or making a will can also be warning signs.
The guidance also identifies dangerous risk-taking, extreme mood swings and changes in eating or sleeping habits. Increased use of drugs or alcohol may be another sign that someone needs help.
The health department advises seeking help as soon as possible when those warning signs appear, especially if the behavior is new or has recently become more frequent or severe.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free and confidential support around the clock. People can call or text 988 or chat with a crisis counselor through 988lifeline.org for themselves or someone they’re concerned about.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.