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After a Disaster: Suicide Prevention Tips

After a disaster, it is normal to feel stressed, anxious, sad, mad, or guilty. Those who lose loved ones, homes, or jobs may not only experience these emotions, but also have trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating. Some even develop thoughts of suicide. If you feel like giving up or killing yourself, it is important to talk to someone you trust as soon as possible. The same applies if friends or family members feel like giving up or killing themselves. Getting care and support can help these symptoms subside in a few days or weeks.

How do I know if someone needs help?

Many problems can cause people to think about suicide (killing oneself); therefore, it is important to recognize the warning signs in yourself, your friends, or your family members. These signs could include

  • Acting reckless
  • Giving up on daily tasks
  • Use of alcohol or drugs
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Dramatic mood changes
  • Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or someone else

What can I do if I am upset?

  • Stay in touch with family. Be around people who are caring and positive.
  • Tell someone you trust about what is going on with you. Ask a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or spiritual leader for help. Talk with them about the stress you feel and problems you are facing.
  • Stay active. Go for a walk, a run, or participate in other group activities to stay busy.
  • Keep busy. Help others in your community with cleanup and repairs.

How can I get help?

Call 988: the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
The former number, 800-273-TALK (800-273 8255) also still works.
Link opens in a new windowhttps://988lifeline.org

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). After the storm: Tips for parents of youth. Retrieved January 5, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov

More about this Topics

  • Managing Grief After Disaster (Part 4)

  • Men and Depression: Helping Yourself or Others

  • Handling Stress: Part 2

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