HomeHelp For Yourself
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    Darlene Francis
    Coordinator | Health and Wellness Services
    Piqua Campus
    North Hall | Room 060
    937.778.7840

  • Suicide Prevention

    Help For Yourself

    Are you considering suicide?

    You are not alone.

    One out of four adults experience a mental illness in any given year. In addition, many people at some point in their lives have had suicidal thoughts. Feeling suicidal is not a weakness or a defect in character. It does not mean that you are crazy or flawed. It only means that you are having more pain than you can deal with at the moment. The pain seems unbearable and permanent right now, but with time and support, you can overcome your problems and the pain and thoughts of suicide will pass.

    Will it get better?

    With help comes hope.

    People who seek diagnosis and treatment… get well and stay well. Even for "major" diagnoses such as schizophrenia, scientific studies demonstrate that a majority of individuals recover over time. While some individuals become free of psychiatric concerns altogether, others learn new ways of living in and adjusting to the world.

    What are the steps to getting better?

        
     1. If you are at a point where you do not think you can stay safe or have done something that has put you at risk for death, call  9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. You may also text START to 741741 or dial The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255). 
     2.   Promise not to do anything right now.
    Thoughts and actions are different. Your suicidal thoughts do not need to be acted on immediately. Make a promise to yourself that you will not do anything drastic for at least 24 hours. Reach out for help during this time. 
     3.   Reach out to others. Don’t keep your feelings to yourself.
    • Call friends or family.
    • Call the Lifeline.
    • Call your mental health provider, or primary care physician.
     4.   Find a therapist and other resources.
    Consult the provider list on the Tri-County Board of Recovery & Mental Health Services website.
     5.   Create a safety plan. Download a safety plan here.
    A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that can help you avoid dangerous situations and know the best way to react when you are in danger of suicide. 
     6.   Download and use the MY3 App.
    The MY3 App lets you stay connected to your supports when you're struggling with tough emotions or having thoughts of suicide. The app allows you to define your network and your plan to stay safe, so that you can be prepared to help yourself and reach out to others when you are having thoughts of suicide.
     7.   Avoid alcohol and drugs.
    Alcohol and drugs may seem to make you feel less pain, but suicidal thoughts can be intensified with drugs or alcohol. Even prescription drugs may be harmful. Talk to your primary care provider or psychiatrist immediately to determine if the benefits of taking your medication outweighs the risks. 
     8.   Have hope!
    People who feel as badly as you do have managed to overcome and survive. Think on the times you have been in pain before and how your resilience helped you come through it. 
     9.   Make your home safe.

    Remove things that you can use to hurt yourself, such as pills, razors or firearms. Lock them up or give them to someone who will return them to you when you are safe. 
     10.   Watch stories of hope, such as the David Lilley story available on YouTube. 
     11.   If you are not feeling safe, don't hesitate to call 9-1-1. 
     12.   Find additional information at the HelpGuide website.
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