September 9-15, 2018. National Suicide Prevention Week. I’m in Seattle for a long weekend with my daughter. Sightseeing. Concert tickets. A visit with my college roommate who moved out here over 20 years ago. It’s my first time. First day’s impression: a little “San Francisco,” a wee bit of “Dublin,” and just enough “Newark New Jersey shabby industrial” to make me feel at home.
My interest in Seattle developed in the early 90s encouraged by the movie Singles, grunge music, and Kurt Cobain. In recent years I’ve become somewhat of a Starbuck’s addict. I’ve been thinking about all of those things. Especially Kurt Cobain. And yes, suicide.
In an effort to get back to the quality time I want to spend with my daughter exploring a new city. I will leave you to catch up on all that I’ve written about this exhausting, and yet extremely important subject…
Suicide is not selfish, June 2018
Let talk about this – it may save a life, September 2017
His story, September 2016
My story: Part 2, April 2016
And finally (from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)…
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
- Talking about wanting to die
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk.
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide:
- Do not leave the person alone
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
- Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK(8255)
- Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 800-273-TALK (8255)
A free, 24/7 service that can provide suicidal persons or those around them with support, information and local resources.
