To the Editor:

Creating partnerships and raising awareness while providing systems of support and care are critical. Mercer County’s Traumatic Loss Prevention Services program has been coordinating services with schools and community agencies to come up with short-term and long-term strategies, the first of which needs to be identifying warning signs and removing the shame and blame associated with seeking help. These signs may mean that someone is at risk for suicide.

• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself

• Looking for a way to kill oneself

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Withdrawing or feeling isolated

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Displaying extreme mood swings

If you believe someone may be thinking about suicide:

• Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves.

• Listen with care and without judgment.

• Stay with the person or with another caring person while you get further help.

• Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

• If self-harm seems imminent, call 9-1-1.

Each of us can help people navigate the struggles of life to find a sustainable sense of hope, meaning, and purpose through connection and compassion.

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800)-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

To get involved with Mercer County Traumatic Loss Coalition, contact Steven Olsen at (609) 278-7924 or email solsen@mercercounty.org. Monthly coalition meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, Suite 500, 3535 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619.

Steven Olsen

Mercer County Traumatic Loss 

Prevention Services Coordinator