From the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County
The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.Â
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
- Planning or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
- Talking about great guilt or shame
- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
- Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
- Talking or thinking about death often
- Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Putting affairs in order, making a will
If you or someone you know exhibits these signs, seek help. See a map of locations in Erie, Niagara, and Genesee Counties to voluntarily and temporarily store your firearms during times of stress or mental health crisis.Â
The National Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline is available by calling 988 – where you can reach a trained counselor for support, advice and help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In Erie County, call Crisis Services at (716) 834-3131. They are always there to help and where there is help there is hope!
If you are a Veteran in need of help, call the Veterans Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.
