Break the Chain Apparel: Throwing out a Life Preserver

Looking out the window at yet another rainy and dreary day, I am reminded that this blustery, cold and damp feeling can also be how some of us are feeling. This can be a description of how many feel in this storm we call life. After contemplating the economic down turn, the price of gas and other commodities rising, job loss, relationship issues and addictions, it is easy to get swept up in the storm. But.... do we notice others that are no longer treading water and are actually slipping into the dark abyss? Unable to hold their heads above water they simply sink out of view. It is important to pay attention to the signs of people around us to help them avoid a choice that may not be able to be undone. I am talking about suicide.

Below I have included the warning signs of suicide from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

What Are The Warning Signs For Suicide?

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:

Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
Feeling hopeless
Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking
Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
Increasing alcohol or drug use
Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
Experiencing dramatic mood changes
Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life