Trigger warning: Suicide Awareness talk

Okay, so as most of you know, it is Suicide Awareness month. I try not to talk about suicide too much fearing that I might trigger someone who is suffering from suicidal thoughts. But, I want to help people who might have friends who are considering suicide and help those who might be considering taking their own life. I'm also going to discuss a little bit about Suicide and how you can help someone who is contemplating suicide. If you are uncomfortable with this, please leave because I do not want to upset anyone.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15-19 year olds.

Close to 800,000 people commit suicide every year.

If you think that someone you know is  suicidal, there are some warning signs that you should watch out for...

Talking about Suicide saying "I'd be better off dead," or "I'm going to kill myself,"

Getting the means to take their life. Such as pills, ammo or razors.

Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be alone.

Giving belongings or prized possessions away.

Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seeing them again.

If you think that someone you know is thinking about hurting themselves, it doesn't hurt to ask "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" Maybe you think you'll put the idea in their head but believe me, it doesn't work like that.

But what if they say "Yes," or "Maybe," or "Sometimes," here's what you don't say...

"That's crazy,"

"Don't be such a drama queen,"

"Your just doing this for attention,"

"That boy is not worth killing yourself over,"

"You're not going to kill yourself,"

What you do say is...

"I'm sorry you're feeling so bad,"

"How can I help?"

"We'll get through this together,"

"Let's keep you safe,"

Get some help, talk to your doctor, or a counselor at school, but don't let it drop. Now, here are some ways that you can help someone who's considering suicide...

Make a list of people that they trust, four to five names, put the suicide hotline number on there too. Have them keep that list with them so they always have someone to turn to.

If they anything that they could use to hurt themselves such as knives, razors, rope, pills that they could use, make sure that they are locked up. If they a gun and ammo, don't just lock it up, get it out of the house.

One more thing, If someone you know might be about to kill themselves, don't leave them alone. Take them to the emergency room, or call your emergency number if you have to.

If you think something is wrong with someone you know, ask straight out "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" Trust your gut, because it never hurts to ask.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255