September is Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness of this urgently important crisis, to spread hope, and to share vital information about suicide prevention. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help.

There are signs that people who may be contemplating suicide exhibit, and recognizing these can prevent this cause of death. The CDC has comprehensive information on this topic, and I’ve listed some of the warning signs below.

North Carolina has a high rate of suicide among medical professionals compared to other states. Sadly, a former fellow of mine, Fabio Ferri, and an ortho colleague at another hospital in NC, Walter Frueh, both took their lives in the past few years. In the case of Fabio, there were warning signs.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The Personal Assistance Service (PAS) benefits Duke employees. It provides free counseling sessions to staff, faculty, and eligible family members to help resolve a range of personal, work, and family problems. PAS services are free to benefit eligible Duke faculty, staff, and their family members.

If you would like to schedule a meeting with a PAS counselor, please get in touch with the PAS office at 919-416-1PAS (919-416-1727), Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Additionally, anyone can call or text 988 or chat at https://988lifeline.org/ 24/7/365 to reach a trained crisis counselor. 

According to the CDC, suicide warning signs include:

  • Talking about being a burden
  • Being isolated
  • Increased anxiety
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Increased substance use
  • Looking for a way to access lethal means
  • Increased anger or rage
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Expressing hopelessness
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Talking or posting about wanting to die
  • Making plans for suicide 

All the best, 
Ben

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