SAFE+MESSAGES

=SAFE MESSAGES=

#1: Feeling __hopeless__ or like there is no point in living
== #2: __Withdrawing__ or isolating self - that is, not talking to usual friends, not participating in social media, hiding out at home, and/or losing interest in clubs/sports/music/typical social events. ==

#4: __Sleeping changes__ (either sleeping significantly MORE or significantly LESS e.g. - insomnia/not sleeping) OR changes in __anger/irritability__ (they are unusually angry)
== #5: Talking about death or wanting to die or suicide or engaging in self-harm -> This is reported to an adult immediately. **// If the school is closed, talk to another adult and get them to call 9-1-1. You can save a life. This is not a secret to keep. //**==

HOW TO HELP...

 * 1) 1 Talk to a ** trusted ADULT, COUNSELOR, TEACHER ** There are TRAINED clinicians (counselors/psychologists/psychiatrists) who can help make a SAFE PLAN! Among other things, this includes a list of empirical (scientific) coping strategies that PROTECT the person against risks and can put the person on a path toward healing.
 * 2) 2 Ask: ** ARE YOU OKAY? ** Rather than say, "how are you doing" - (all of us answer fine); also, you can say..."I've noticed lately that you...." and point out any warning signs you observed.
 * 3) 3 ** LISTEN ** - try to empathize with the pain like any true friend would. Don't dismiss feelings.
 * 4) 4 Tell those who feel hopeless ** they are NOT ALONE ** . This does not mean they are not sad, but it means there are people who care! There are people who are willing to walk with them side-by-side until it gets better.
 * 5) 5 Connect the person to PROFESSIONAL HELP ** 1-800-273-TALK Suicide Prevention # It's a 24-hour-national hotline. **