Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional at (209)588-9528 After Hours: (209)588-HELP (4357) or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a referral should you witness, hear, or see someone you know exhibiting any one or more of the following:

Hopelessness
Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
Increased alcohol or drug use
Withdrawing from friends, family and society
Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
Dramatic mood changes
No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life

Here is an easy mnemonic to remember these warning signs:

IS PATH WARM?

v I ~ Ideation

v S ~Substance Abuse

v P ~Purposelessness

v A ~Anxiety

v T ~Trapped

v H ~Hopelessness

v W~Withdrawal

v A ~Anger

v R ~Recklessness

v M ~Mood Changes

What To Do

Here are some ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide:

v Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.

v Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.

v Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.

v Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.

v Don’t dare him or her to do it.

v Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.

v Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.

v Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.

v Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.

v Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Be Aware of Feelings
Many people at some time in their lives think about completing suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:

v Can’t stop the pain

v Can’t think clearly

v Can’t make decisions

v Can’t see any way out

v Can’t sleep, eat or work

v Can’t get out of depression

v Can’t make the sadness go away

v Can’t see a future without pain

v Can’t see themselves as worthwhile

v Can’t get someone’s attention

v Can’t seem to get control

If you experience these feelings, get help!
If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help!

Contact:

Tuolumne County Behavioral Health (209) 588-9528 ~After hours 588-HELP (4357)

or 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

Hospital Emergency Room 533-7100 or 532-5000

Poison Control 1 - 800-222-1222

Family Doctor

Family Clergy

Family or Friends

School Counselor

Private Therapist or Counselor

Law Enforcement: Sonora 532-8143 Sheriff 533-5815

Dawn's Light 532-9001

VNA-Hospice of the Sierra 533-6800 X6896