Suicide Prevention Week: Take Action, Speak Up for Latinos

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Latinos are a big focus of National Suicide Prevention Week on Sept. 10-16, 2017.

Young Latinos are more likely than their peers to attempt suicide. High levels of stress, from discrimination, poverty and bullying, play a big role in this high percentage rate, according to our new Mental Health & Latino Kids Research.

What can you do to help raise awareness and prevent suicide in your community?

Start by knowing the signs.

Here is a few examples of warning signs, according to the Mental Health America of Texas.

• Feeling hopeless. According to our research, 32.6% of Latino students reported feelings of hopelessness and sadness that continued for more than two weeks and resulted in decreased participation in activities they had previously enjoyed, a study found.
• Withdrawal from family, friends, and society
• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger
• Not sleeping, or sleeping all the time
• Experiencing dramatic mood changes
• Feeling trapped, like there is no way out

Join the community in promoting suicide awareness by sharing the following resources with family, friends, community leaders, school personnel, and state officials.

• #SuicidePrevention or #StigmaFree: Nami HelpLine or Text NAMI to 741741: NAMI’s Compartiendo Esperanza a 90 minute program
• Public Schools and Educator Resources: Texas Suicide Prevention: ASK App.
• #StopSuicide or #NSPW: Get involved with AFSP through their website.
• National Suicide Prevention LifeLine 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)  a free, 24 hour hotline. Confidential Chat also available free, 24/7.
• Out of the Darkness Walks host community, campus, and overnight.
• Bexar County Behavioral Health & Wellness Center Conference October 20-21, 2017.
• #BeTheDifference Campaign: Join the Twitter Chat campaign on September 21 with Mental Health First Aid.

Lets talk about this, and change the stigma of mental health and suicide!

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