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I found out my college roommate died by suicide yesterday. He’s the 4th close friend I’ve lost this way.

I’m heartbroken. I’m devastated for his wife & the others who loved him.

So let’s talk about suicide prevention & #mentalhealth. It’s important. 1/

First, if you feel like you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 (or your country's emergency line below) to get immediate help.

Explain it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for someone who is trained for these kinds of situations. 2/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

Even if there isn’t immediate danger, you can call/text a crisis hotline if you don’t know where to turn.

The US National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. Add it to your contacts list & bookmark the link below so you won’t have to dig. 3/ https://www.cnet.com/news/suicide-hotlines-crisis-hotlines-to-call-or-text-when-you-need-help/

If you feel depressed or anxious or scared or alone, it can be extremely difficult to ask for help. But there are people who can help; it can & will get better.

I’ve personally been there. Sometimes I still struggle. But you are not alone and it is okay to ask for help. 4/

I’ve been suicidal. I have severe depression and PTSD. I take medication for anxiety, depression, and nightmares. But I’m not ashamed of that anymore and I’m learning learning to manage it and live a fuller life again.

My only real regret is that I didn’t get help sooner. 5/

You may think you shouldn’t get help because you don’t have it as bad as someone else. That’s a lie. Don’t believe it.

Maybe you haven’t experienced combat, sexual assault, or relationship trauma, but depression, anxiety & #mentalhealth are complex and different for everyone. 6/

Maybe you’re scared about the consequences for your job or security clearance. Your life & the people you care about are more important.

Not getting help probably puts you more at risk. You can always ask questions when you seek treatment & set ground rules before you talk. 7/

If you are caring for someone in crisis, you are not responsible for their life or their mental health. That can be hard to accept, but it’s true.

Do what you can to make sure they’re not in immediate danger and seek professional help if you’re not trained for it. 8/

Remove or lock up any firearms or weapons immediately. Take away their keys and stop them from driving. Try not to leave them alone.

You shouldn’t bargain with someone who is suicidal, but you should keep them talking and listen. Stay with them until help arrives. 9/

If you’re worried about someone, ask directly whether they have a plan to kill themself. It won’t increase the risk of suicide. Talking openly, listening w/out judgment, & letting them know you care can help.

Asking is scary and feels uncomfortable, but it is better to ask. 10/

Depression and other mental health issues that lead to suicide are illnesses that often lead to isolation.

Knowing people cared about me was the thing that helped walk me back but there was nothing my wife or kids could have said that would’ve “fixed” it. I needed treatment. 11/

You can’t “save” someone who wants to commit suicide and it’s not your job but you can let them know you care & guide them to professional help.

You might need to seek help, too. Caring for someone with depression or a personality disorder is draining & you deserve support. 12/

The bottom line is that we’ve all got our issues. Mental health problems aren’t something to hide or be ashamed of.

If you have concerns, seek help. If you’re worried about someone you love, encourage them to get professional care. 13/

And add the hotline (1-800-273-8255) to your contacts & bookmark the link. I’ve unfortunately been in situations like this before.

It’s hard to think clearly when someone you know or love is in pain so have a plan for how to react & know who to call. 14/ https://www.cnet.com/news/suicide-hotlines-crisis-hotlines-to-call-or-text-when-you-need-help/

Don’t be afraid to seek help. If something seems off, it probably is. And it doesn’t have to be this way.

I’ve lost too many friends, and my friends & family almost lost me. There are people who love you and who care.

There is help, and it’s okay to ask for it. 15/15