[PSA] SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

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[PSA] SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

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WWW.LSPDONLINE.NET
Los Santos Police Department
Public Service Announcement
Sunday, September 4th, 2022
"TO PROTECT AND SERVE"

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  • ABOUT SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
    September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This PSA aims to shed light on the stigma and taboo of talking about suicide by informing readers on how to spot warning signs as well as how to help themselves and others.

    THE STATISTICS ON SUICIDE
    Every year more than 700.000 people die by suicide, approximately 20 times more attempting it per death.
    More than 45.000 people died by suicide in the US alone in 2020, making it the 12th leading cause of death in the overall population, and the 4th amongst teens and young adults.

    RISK FACTORS
    Some risk factors known to contribute to suicidal thoughts may include;
    • Mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
    • Alcohol and other substance abuse.
    • History of trauma or abuse, or a family history of suicide.
    • Job or financial loss, including housing problems and homelessness.
    • Feelings of being inadequate or a failure.
    • Relationship problems.
    • Long-term physical pain or illness.
    • The stigma associated with asking for help.
    SUICIDIAL TENDENCIES AND THE FIGHT AGAINST THEM
    Almost everyone who attempts suicide has given some form of warning or signs of the intentions. Learning to recognise these warning signs and how to respond makes you able to take action and help out anyone who might be struggling with such thoughts or feelings. People thinking about ending their own life will often times be more prone to talking about wanting to die, looking for ways to kill themselves like searching online or buying a gun; their behaviour will sometimes change drastically; potential substance abuse escalating dangerously; feelings of anxiety making them act recklessly; barely sleeping and isolating themselves.

    Suicide is a serious public health problem, affecting not only individuals but also the families and communities around them. Societal tendencies have made the topic taboo, and many people are afraid to talk about it despite open support having been proven helpful in preventing suicide.

    We urge you to speak up if you are worried about someone. Starting a conversation about suicide should not be considered hurtful, but helpful. Rather than assume the worst, start a conversation about how they are doing, or how you have noticed them behaving differently. Ask them how long they have been feeling that way and why. Ask how you can support them. Tell them they are not alone, and that you care about them and want to help.

    STEPS TO TAKE AND THINGS TO AVOID
    Things to Do;
    • Be yourself when talking to them
    • Listen to the positive and negative alike
    • Be sympathetic and non-judgemental
    • Take them seriously about their feelings
    Things to Avoid;
    • Do not argue with them
    • Do not be shocked, or tell them suicide is wrong
    • Do not give advice or tell them you can fix it
    • Do not blame anyone for their situation
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    ADDITIONAL HELP AVAILABLE
    If you feel that you or someone you know need specialist assistance, LSEMS' Critical Response Unit has therapists and other personnel trained to handle your psychological or medical needs.
    There is no shame in seeking help. There is courage in reaching out and there is no need to live in misery. The CRU division is here to help. Even if you feel the problems you are dealing with are minuscule we will treat them as the greatest of importance. We are here to listen, we are here to help, and we are here for you.
    Head of LSEMS CRU Kopi Raccoon
    Growing up, a lot of us has met a stigma when talking about mental health, especially our own, leading many to stay silent until it's too late. Trusting a stranger it's hard and it might take some time before you feel comfortable opening up. [...] You might say that we are just caring because it's our job - that's wrong. We choose to take this job because we care.
    Reaching out for support and guidance is not looked down upon and we wish to see more reaching out before it's too late. You can either call 911, come to Pillbox Medical Center or make an appointment request on the government website.
    Chief of EMS Samantha Tenbe
CONTACT INFORMATION
  • Written By:
    Police Officer III Thomas Pennyworth
    Media Relations Officer, Media Relations Division
    [email protected]
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    For Information, Contact:
    Media Relations Division Public Inquiries
    Los Santos Police Department
    Sinner Street 69, Mission Row
    Los Santos, SA, 90013
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