Suicide Prevention, Information, & Resources
Suicide Prevention
A sad reality is that the number of persons dying by suicide has increased in recent years, and teenagers are at risk of this due to their difficulty handling emotions and impulsivity. The information below is from the National Institute of Mental Health and can be accessed from their website (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention)
Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
- Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
- Talking or thinking about death often
Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:
- Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
- Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Changing eating or sleeping habits
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
If a child is experiencing a mental health crisis or has reported thoughts of hurting themselves or others, please contact emergency services immediately by calling 9-1-1 or by taking the child to an emergency department at a hospital.
Resources for students and parents related to suicide:
- South Carolina Department of Mental Health Office of Suicide Prevention- http://osp.scdmh.org/
- https://afsp.org/teens-and-suicide-what-parents-should-know
- Surviving a Suicide Loss (PDF)
- The Trevor Project (a resource for LGBTQ+ youth)- https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Community Resources
If a child is experiencing a mental health crisis or has reported thoughts of hurting themselves or others, please contact emergency services immediately by calling 9-1-1 or by taking the child to an emergency department at a hospital.
Many counseling services are available in the Midlands and accept self-pay and insurance payments. If you need help finding a provider, you may first want to contact your child’s pediatrician or insurance company for a referral. Our support staff also maintains a list of community providers and may be able to help as well.
These providers specialize in mental health services locally and nationally and can help you determine appropriate services for individuals:
- Columbia Area Mental Health Center (Adolescents and Families Division)- 803-898-4777
- NAMI South Carolina- 803-788-5131
- Federation of Families- 803-772-5210
- SAMHSA’s National Hotline: 1-800-662-4357
Help is available 24 hours a day from these hotlines:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (English and Spanish)- 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Textline- Text HOME to 741741
- National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline- 1-800-799-SAFE
Online Resources
These reputable websites provide additional information to help families understand adolescent mental health.