Suicide Prevention:  Remember … It Only Takes One (person to care).

If you are feeling depressed or have thoughts of harming yourself, please talk with someone or contact Suicide Prevention at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).  Daily, 24 hours.

If you know someone who is feeling depressed or has shared thoughts of self-harm, please talk with an adult that you trust or contact Suicide Prevention at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).  Daily, 24 hours.

Suicide Prevention Services:  528 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia, IL  60510; 630-482-9696;  www.spsfv.org                                                           

Consultation is free

In many cases, an individual with suicidal thoughts does not ask for or seek help. You can help prevent suicide by learning to recognize the signs of someone at risk, taking those signs seriously and knowing how to respond to them.  Talk to a teacher, school social worker or counselor if you or someone you know shows any one or more of the following behaviors: 

• Hopelessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped - like there's no way out  
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family and society
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time 
• Dramatic mood changes

If someone comes to you asking for help, the most important thing you can do is just be there to listen and encourage them to seek help. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are asked to help:

• Take them seriously.
• Do not discount the individual’s feelings and thoughts by saying “It’s just the blues,” or “Everyone goes through this.”
• Do not assume the person asked others for help. Be the one to step-up and encourage the person to get help.
• Do not ignore the person and leave them to their own isolation.

Individuals often don’t seek help because of the stigma associated with asking for help, limited access to treatment, the shame they feel about having these thoughts or no one recognizes their call for help.

Information and Referral: Operators provide information about the availability of social services of a health or mental health nature in Kane County, Illinois. 1-800-SUICIDE.  You may also call 911. TTY 1-800-799-4TTY (4889):  Spanish 1-888-628-9454.

Source: Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance