Help prevent suicide with these tools and resources
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness, spread hope and share important information on this topic.
Much like mental health conditions, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background.
You're an important part of your patients' support network, connecting with them on all aspects of their health and wellness. When you support their mental health by asking questions, listening and providing resources, you can drastically minimize their risk of suicidal behavior. In Michigan, someone dies by suicide every six hours*. Let's work together to reduce this rate and save lives.
11 warning signs of suicidal thoughts
If any of your patients are showing signs of one or more of the following behaviors, they may be thinking about suicide:
- Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
What to do if you suspect suicidal thoughts
If you suspect one of your patients is having suicidal thoughts, don't ignore that feeling. Talk with them—talking about it has been found to bring relief and reduce suicidal thoughts—and connect them with the resources below:
Resources for Priority Health members
- Our Behavioral Health team is available to support our members and our providers.
- Immediate support: If you have a patient in need of immediate support for severe emotional distress, contact our behavioral health team. Confidential help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 800.673.8043 (this number is printed on the back of all member cards).
- myStrength: Self-care and coping skills are critical to mental health and wellbeing. myStrength is a self-help virtual tool available to all Priority Health members and features a section specific to "Thoughts of Suicide." Members can learn more and sign up here.
Additional resources
National resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.TALK, suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- Crisis Text Line: Text "Hello" to 741741
Additional resources
- Injury & Violence Prevention (MDHHS)
- Suicide Prevention (National Institute of Mental Health)
- Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (National Institute of Mental Health)
*According to an Apr. 12, 2021 press release on michigan.gov