Suicide Prevention And Awareness

  • Jason Flatt Act

    Jason Flatt was 16 years old when he ended his own life in 1997. He seemed to be a person who really enjoyed life. He had many friends and was active in sports and youth groups. In 2001 a New Jersey legislator presented an idea about providing training to teachers increase awareness concerning teen suicide. As of Morch 2018, twenty states have passed a law supporting similar programs. Alabama passed the Jason Flatt Act in 2016. Please follow the links below for more information.

    Jason Flatt Foundation

    Suicide Prevention Resources: ALSDE

    If you need immediate help contact: 

    • Crisis Center, Inc. (Birmingham) Phone: (205) 323-7777
    • Kids Help Line: (205) 328-KIDS (5437)
    • Teen Link: (205) 328-LINK (5465)
    • Senior Talk Line: (205) 328-TALK (8255) Hours of Operation: 24/7   
    • Additional resources Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition

     

    There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition.

    Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions lead fulfilling lives.

    Warning Signs                

    Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors.

    This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do:

     

    Talk

    If a person talks about:

    • Being a burden to others
    • Feeling trapped
    • Experiencing unbearable pain
    • Having no reason to live
    • Killing themselves

     

    Behavior

    Specific things to look out for include:

    • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
    • Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means
    • Acting recklessly
    • Withdrawing from activities
    • Isolating from family and friends
    • Sleeping too much or too little
    • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
    • Giving away prized possessions
    • Aggression

     

    Mood

    People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

    • Depression
    • Loss of interest
    • Rage
    • Irritability
    • Humiliation
    • Anxiety

     

    Risk Factors

    Characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life:

     

    Health Factors

    Mental health conditions

    • Depression
      • Bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder
      • Schizophrenia
      • Borderline or antisocial personality disorder
      • Conduct disorder
      • Psychotic disorders, or psychotic symptoms in the context of any disorder
      • Anxiety disorders

    • Substance abuse disorders

    • Serious or chronic health condition and/or pain

     

    Environmental Factors

    • Stressful life events which may include a death, divorce, or job loss
    • Prolonged stress factors which may include harassment, bullying, relationship problems, and unemployment
    • Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
    • Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide

     

    Historical Factors

    • Previous suicide attempts
    • Family history of suicide attempts