Suicide Awareness and Prevention
Death by suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US, and the second leading cause of death for people 15-34.1 Cigna Healthcare wants everyone affected to know you are never alone.
If you have concerns that a loved one, friend, or colleague may be thinking about suicide, check the warning signs and what to do for next steps. The more warning signs a person shows, the greater the risk.
Warning signs of suicide2
- 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
What to do3
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 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
- Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
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Suicide Awareness Prevention Topics
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In the Workplace
1American Association of Suicidology, https://suicidology.org/facts-and-statistics/, Accessed August 22, 2019.
2American Association of Suicidology, https://suicidology.org/resources/warning-signs/, Accessed August 22, 2019.
3National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-conditions/related-conditions/suicide, Accessed August 22, 2019.
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