Download Here: Congressional Research Service. COVID-19 Testing: Frequently Asked Questions. September 16, 2021. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46481.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Stop suicide, save a life.

As Caroline Carney, M.D., chief medical officer, Magellan Health recently said, “for suicide to be a ‘never event’, the entire care ecosystem must be engaged—the individual who is suffering, providers caring for the individual, the network of family and friends, and the entire community, including those with lived experience. This starts with tackling stigma through health literacy and bringing forward a holistic approach.”

Know the warning signs: It is hard to tell whether a person is thinking of suicide. Most people who take their own life show one or more warning signs, either through what they say or do.

Consider these FACTS:

Feelings: Expressing hopelessness, talking about suicide or having no reason to live, showing moods such as depression, anxiety, irritability

Actions: Showing severe/overwhelming pain or distress, using drugs or alcohol, searching for ways to end their life

Changes: Withdrawing from activities, isolating from friends and family, sleeping more or less

Threats: Talking about, writing about or making plans to kill themselves

Situations: Going through stressful situations including loss, change, personal humiliation or difficulties at home, school or with the law

Help is available:

National Suicide Prevention Lifelines: 1-800- 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Lines number: 741741