You Matter Campaign

Depression and suicide awareness are brought to light every September. However, September isn't the only month that people suffer from it. I want to take the taboo out of having a mental illness. It is part of who I am ... and it is something that I live with. There are resources available if you have a family member that suffers with depression AND if you suffer from it.


USC’s You Matter Campaign
Suicide is preventable ... it really is. It comes with warning signs and with open communication, you can help prevent that step from being taken. The first step is to know the warning signs. These will all be different. Remember that EVERYONE MATTERS.

Teens:

• Withdrawal
• Drop in grades
• Inability to sleep OR Sleeping all the time
• Try out drugs and alcohol
• Skip class
• Mood swings
• Change in eating habits

Adults:

• Quicker to anger
• Anxiety
• Withdrawal
• Increase in alcohol or drug use
• Change in sleeping habits
• Talk of feeling hopeless or worthless
• Sudden weight changes
• Talk of desire to commit suicide

Elderly:

• Preoccupied with death
• Change in sleeping habits
• Reluctance to eat
• Refusal to follow doctor's orders
• Withdrawal
• Self Harm
• Talk about death

If you believe someone may be depressed, or thinking about suicide, there are a few phrases that should NEVER be uttered!

"You aren't going to do something stupid, are you?"

"Fine! If you want to be selfish and kill yourself, see if I care."

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

You NEVER want them to feel like they are stupid. They already feel like no one cares about them anyway, so don't give them the push. Finally ... NEVER keep it a secret if someone tells you they are thinking about committing suicide. If you need conversation starters, check out the Suicide is Preventable website by clicking below.

http://www.suicideispreventable.org/

Find your nearest 24/7 crisis hotline. Always remember that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will connect you to a trained crisis counselor at your nearest crisis center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Attend a suicide prevention gatekeeper training and learn how you can support someone else through their thoughts of suicide. Find a training session to attend at www.livingworks.net.