We have gathered a number of resources to help you have those tough conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• National Suicide Lifeline Chat
• Suicide Crisis Text Line: Text WYO to 741-741
• Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ: (866) 488-7386
• Seize the Awkward
• Wyoming Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• 2017-2021 State Suicide Prevention Plan
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Wyoming
• Wyoming Suicide Prevention

Suicide can be prevented. While some suicides occur without any outward warning, most people who are suicidal do give warnings. Prevent the suicide of loved ones by learning to recognize the signs of someone at risk, taking those signs seriously and knowing how to respond to them.

• Observable signs of serious depression:
  • Unrelenting low mood
  • Pessimism
  • Hopelessness
  • Desperation
  • Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension
  • Withdrawal
  • Sleep problems
• Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
• Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
• Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
• Making a plan:
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm
  • Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications
• Unexpected rage or anger

The emotional crises that usually precede suicide are often recognizable and treatable. Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed. Serious depression can be manifested in obvious sadness, but often it is rather expressed as a loss of pleasure or withdrawal from activities that had been enjoyable. One can help prevent suicide through early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses.

If you are in crisis or are concerned about someone you know, please call the National Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.