Big Elephant Hits the Streets to Help Prevent Suicide

CLEVELAND - May 20, 2014 - PRLog -- As part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA), National Prevention Week, the Board Members of Big Elephant (http://www.bigelephant.org/) will be handing out Suicide Prevention Lifeline cards containing crucial information for those at risk of suicide. More than 750 cards will be given out throughout the public with a focus on the highest risk demographic who would otherwise not easily know where to turn for resources. The Big Elephant members will also be available to answer questions or offer additional information about getting help for mental health or substance abuse problems.

According to SAMHSA (http://blog.samhsa.gov/2012/05/03/suicide-a-preventable-tragedy/#.U3u46tJdVyI), an essential step in suicide prevention is recognizing warning signs and behaviors, which may include:

·         Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself.

·         Looking for a way to kill oneself (e.g., searching online for ways to die, or buying a gun).

·         Comments about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.

·         Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain.

·         References to being a burden to others.

·         Increasing the 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.

According to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (http://www.afsp.org/understanding-suicide/facts-and-figures), as of 2010 there were 38,364 deaths by suicide in the United States. What that equates to is every 13.7 minutes someone in this country intentionally ends his/her life. Suicide is considered to be the second leading cause of death among college students, the second leading cause of death for people aged 25-34, the third leading cause of death for people aged 10-24 and the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65. Furthermore, 464,995 people visited a hospital for injuries due to self-harm behavior.

Big Elephant believes that getting resources out to the public, raising awareness and reducing stigma is a key component in being able to decrease these numbers and prevent suicide. Also, making sure that young people know they will not get in trouble for reaching out for help is a missing component in much of today’s public awareness initiatives.

Jason Morrow of Big Elephant, comments, “Many teens and young adults are afraid to reach out for the help they so desperately need. Getting the word out that it’s okay to ask for help is a tremendous way to help alleviate more tragedies such as suicide.”

About Big Elephant: This nonprofit organization provides and improves access to mental health and substance abuse information, assistance and recovery resources such as prevention, screening, assessment, and treatment for young people who would otherwise not be exposed to through its network of volunteers, donors and partners. Services include outreach activities and education through events such as Growing Hope for Businesses (http://www.bigelephant.org/ways-to-help/growing-hope/).