September 10th is National Suicide Prevention Day. While this day has passed, the issue of suicide will not. Not everyone is qualified to treat someone who is suicidal, but you can always help. Here are some common signs and symptoms of suicidality according to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE):

• Talks about wanting to kill oneself
• Talks about feeling hopeless or helpless
• Talks about feeling trapped
• Talks about feeling like a burden to others
• Alcohol/drug abuse
• Agitated/irritated behavior
• Sudden change in sleep patterns
• Sudden drop in grades
• Social withdrawal/isolation
• Enraged outbursts
• Extreme mood swings

These signs and symptoms do not always point directly to suicide, but they do point to serious mental health issues that need to be addressed. Teen suicides are at an all-time high. Seeking help for yourself and for others around you is the best way to prevent further deaths by suicide. 

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK or text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling.