Semicolon Campaign

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www.ZeroAttempts.org

51:21
In this special KCIW Podcast of The Community Organizer, Gordon Clay and Scott Clapson talk about Project Semicolon

Founder of the Semicolon Campaign, Amy Bleuel, died by suicide today - March 30, 2017

Disclaimer - Information is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services and does not serve as a crisis response or hotline. Local crisis hotline phone, text and chat numbers can be found in the front of your local phone book, on our partial lists of emergency numbers or by calling 911. Any medical decisions should be made in conjunction with your physician or psychiatrist. We will not be liable for any complications, injuries or other medical accidents arising from or in connection with, the use of or reliance upon any information on this web site.


Saving Lives via Text Message - NPR


In the four years since it was founded, Crisis Text Line has exchanged 54 million text messages with users. The crisis intervention service provides free, around-the-clock support to people who are struggling with issues such as self-harm or suicidal thoughts. By analyzing text message data, Crisis Text Line researchers have identified the words most associated with suicide risk and helped ensure that messages from the highest-risk users get answered first. Data have also revealed user trends, showing that the majority of texters are female and under age 25. Users also tend to be from rural and low-income demographics, and to identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. According to founder Nancy Lublin, while Crisis Text Line counselors are not equipped to offer ongoing therapy, the support and referrals that they provide can make a lasting difference in a user's life. "Many of these things, it's a hot moment where you can be tipped to a healthy decision or an unhealthy decision," she said.


Articles about the original campaign - What is it?
Have you ever seen a semicolon tattoo or button?

79 semicolon tattoo categories

Where to get a free semicolon button and/or card with the new crisis text line number in Curry County, OR and Del Norte Courty, CA

Where to purchase quantities of the Semicolon Button

Why keep a semicolon business card in your wallet?
Be a Courageous Oregonian
Secrets No More - We would like you to check this out and participate if you will.
What leads to suicide?
Suicide Risk Factors
Warning Signs
What Should I Do if Someone I Know Shows Warning Signs of Suicide?
How to Help Someone Else..
Where Can I Get Help for Suicide and Depression?
What to do with what you hear.

Be ready - are you in a good headspace? Are you willing to genuinely listen? Can you give as much time as needed?
Be Prepared: Do you understand that a diffiult conversatoin might happen and you won't have the answers? Do you understand that talking about persoal struggles can be difficult and they might get embarrassed , even angry?
Pick your moment: Have you chosen somewhere relatively private and comfy? nWhat time will be good for them to chat? If they can't talk when you approach them, ask them for a better time to come back.

Getting help
Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices (62 page PDF)
After a Suicide: A toolkit for schools (49 page PDF)
Songs about Suicide and Suicide Prevention
T-shirt transfers, Tattoos (78 categories)
Related topics:
Are you feeling suicidal? Attempts, Crisis Text Line, Crisis Trends, Contagion/Clustering, Depression, Emergency Phone/Chat/Text Numbers, Facebook Live , Guns, How to Help, How to talk with your kids about suicide, Mental Illness, Need to Talk?, Online Depression Screening Test , Oregon Suicides 1990 to date, Prevention, Religion, Safety Plan, Secrets No More, 741741, Semicolon Campaign, Stigma, Struggling Teen, Suicide, Suicide Internationally, Suicide Notes, Suicide Resources, Suicide 10-14 Year-Olds, Teen Depression, Teen Suicide, 3-Day Rule, 13 Reasons Why', Veterans, Warning Signs

Having suicidal thoughts? Watch this video..

Serious about dieing by suicide? Call 911

Crisis Text Line Text "SOS" to 741741
California Youth Crisis Line - 800-843-5200
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Text "TalkWithUs" to 66746
Spanish Speakers text "Hablanos" to 66746

Want to talk?
800.273.TALK (8255) or TDD 800.448.1833
Curry County Crisis Line - 877-519-9322
Oregon Crisis Lines by County
National Domestic Violence Hotline - 800-799-SAFE (7233) or TCall 741741
Substance Abuse Helpline - 800.923.4357 or TCall 741741
Veterans Crisis Line -
800-273-8255 press 1 or Chat or TCall 838255
Oregon Youthline for Teens -
4-10pm PST daily - 877.968.8491
Those in Law Enforcement 800-267-5463
Other Emergency Numbers

Find a mental health provider

Web site referrals:
Attempt Survivors
Ayuda En Espanol
Deaf, Hard of Hearing
Disaster Survivors
LGBTQ+
Loss Survivfors
Native Americans
Veterans
Youth.

For other
Emergency Numbers
International Suicide Hotines
International Suicide Prevention Resource Directory
Best Emergency Preparedness Supplies

TED Talks - Crisis Next Line - Must See
9:39
5:17

Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid Perform "1-800-273-8255”
4:14
VMA's/MTV 2017
The 60th GRAMMYs

Logic and Alessia Explain the Importance of Their Powerful Hit Song

3:02
6:32
Now a word from Pink
R U OK?
Can texting save lives? - Must see video!

Have you seen anyone with a semicolon tattoo or button or window decal? If not, you may not be looking close enough. They're popping up everywhere. The semicolon is used when the person could've chosen to end their life, but chose not to. Today, people all over the world are tattooing the mark as a reminder of their struggle, victory, and survival.

Mental illness is not uncommon, yet there is a stigma around it that prevents a lot of people from talking about it — and that's a barrier to getting help. It's a symbol to reduce the stigma around mental illness for those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury. It represents the importance of suicide prevention.

No matter how we get there, the end result is so important to help more people to also be able to say "; I'm still here." "; my story isn't over."

The symbol is a conversation starter celebrating the road to recovery and the determination to keep moving forward no matter what. People ask what it is and you get to open up an opportunity to help someone else who might be struggling.

If you have ever seriously considered suicide and are willing to talk to someone who might be needing help, ink your hand during September, Suicide Prevention Month or wear a button or put a decal on your car window. Let’s stop the self harming, the suicides and the bullying

Need to talk now? Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the National Hopeline/Suicide Prevention Lifeline or text 741741 for a Crisis Text Counselor or see our list of other lifelines.

What leads to suicide?


There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions lead fulfilling lives.

Warning Signs


Suicide is rarely a spur of the moment decision. In the days and hours before people kill themselves, there are usually clues and warning signs.

The strongest and most disturbing signs are verbal – ‘I can’t go on,’ ‘Nothing matters any more’ or even ‘I’m thinking of ending it all.’ Such remarks should always be taken seriously. Of course, in most cases these situations do not lead to suicide. But, generally, the more signs a person displays, the higher the risk of suicide.

Situations

  • Suffering a major loss or life change
  • Family history of suicide or violence
  • Sexual or physical abuse
  • Death of a close friend or family member
  • Divorce or separation, ending a relationship
  • Failing academic performance, impending exams, exam results
  • Job loss, problems at work
  • Impending legal action
  • Recent imprisonment or upcoming release

Behaviors

  • Showing a marked change in behavior, attitudes or appearance
  • Crying
  • Fighting
  • Behaving recklessly
  • Breaking the law
  • Impulsiveness
  • Abusing drugs or alcohol
  • Self-mutilation
  • Writing about death and suicide
  • Previous suicidal behavior
  • Extremes of behavior
  • Changes in behavior
  • Getting affairs in order and giving away valued possessions

Physical Changes

  • Lack of energy
  • Disturbed sleep patterns – sleeping too much or too little
  • Loss of appetite
  • Becoming depressed or withdrawn
  • Sudden weight gain or loss
  • Increase in minor illnesses
  • Change of sexual interest
  • Sudden change in appearance
  • Lack of interest in appearance

Thoughts and Emotions

  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Loneliness – lack of support from family and friends
  • Rejection, feeling marginalized
  • Deep sadness or guilt
  • Unable to see beyond a narrow focus
  • Daydreaming
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Helplessness
  • Loss of self-worth

Suicide Risk Factors

Health Factors

  • Mental health conditions
    • Depression
    • Bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder
    • Schizophrenia
    • Borderline or antisocial personality disorder
    • Conduct disorder
    • Psychotic disorders, or psychotic symptoms in the context of any disorder
    • Anxiety disorders
  • Substance abuse disorders
  • Serious or chronic health condition and/or pain

Environmental Factors

  • Stressful life events which may include a death, divorce, or job loss
  • Prolonged stress factors which may include harassment, bullying, relationship problems, and unemployment
  • Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
  • Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide

Historical Factors

  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Family history of suicide attempts

What Should I Do if Someone I Know Shows Warning Signs of Suicide?


First, if someone you know appears to be depressed and is contemplating suicide, take that person seriously. Listen to what he or she is saying. Take the initiative to ask that person what he or she is planning. But don't attempt to argue him or her out of committing suicide. Rather, let the person know that you care and understand and are listening. Avoid statements like: "You have so much to live for." And ask if the person has sought help from a medical or mental professional, or if he is currently being treated by a mental health professional

If someone you know appears to be depressed and talks about suicide, makes a suicidal gesture, or attempts suicide, take it as a serious emergency. Listen to the person, but don't try to argue with him or her. Seek immediate help from a health care profession

People who experience a major depressive episode are often suicidal. It is a key symptom of the disease. Some studies show that the neurotransmitter serotonin plays a central role in the neurobiology of suicide. Researchers have found lower levels of serotonin in the brainstem and cerebrospinal fluid of suicidal individuals.

In addition, suicidal behavior sometimes runs in families. Remember, any talk of suicide is always an emergency. Have the person talk with a health care professional immediately.

Where Can I Get Help for Suicide and Depression?


Encourage a suicidal or depressed person to seek the help of a mental health professional. Because the person may feel so hopeless that they may not think it's possible to be helped, you'll probably have to be persistent and go with that person.

If your loved one appears to be in imminent danger of committing suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Remove any weapons or drugs he or she could use. Accompany him or her to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

During treatment, be supportive. Help the person remember to take antidepressants or other prescribed medications and to continue any other therapy that's been prescribed.
Source: www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-recognizing-signs-of-suicide?page=2#1

How to Help Someone Else


If someone is feeling depressed or suicidal, our first response is to try to help. We offer advice, share our own experiences, try to find solutions. We’d do better to be quiet and listen. People who feel suicidal don’t want answers or solutions. They want a safe place to express their fears and anxieties, to be themselves.

Listening – really listening – is not easy. We must control the urge to say something – to make a comment, add to a story or offer advice. We need to listen not just to the facts that the person is telling us but to the feelings that lie behind them. We need to understand things from their perspective, not ours.

Here are some points to remember if you are helping a person who feels suicidal.

  • They want someone to listen. Someone who will take time to really listen to them. Someone who won’t judge, or give advice or opinions, but will give their undivided attention.
  • They want someone to trust. Someone who will respect them and won’t try to take charge. Someone who will treat everything in complete confidence.
  • They want someone to care. Someone who will make themselves available, put the person at ease and speak calmly. Someone who will reassure, accept and believe. Someone who will say, ‘I care.’

What do people who feel suicidal not want?

  • They don't want to be alone. Rejection can make the problem seem ten times worse. Having someone to turn to makes all the difference. Listen.
  •  
  • They don't want to be advised. Lectures don’t help. Nor does a suggestion to ‘cheer up’, or an easy assurance that ‘everything will be okay.’ Don’t analyze, compare, categorize or criticize. Listen.
  • They don't want to be interrogated. Don’t change the subject, don’t pity or patronize. Talking about feelings is difficult. People who feel suicidal don’t want to be rushed or put on the defensive. Listen.

So, if you are concerned that someone you know may be thinking of suicide, you can help. Remember, as a helper, do not promise to do anything you do not want to do or that you cannot do.

First of all...

If the person is actively suicidal, get help immediately. Call your local crisis service or the police, or take the person to the emergency room of your local hospital. Do not leave the person alone.

If the person has attempted suicide and needs medical attention, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number.

The following are suggestions for helping someone who is suicidal:

Ask the person - "Are you thinking of suicide?" Ask them if they have a plan and if they have the means. Asking someone if they are suicidal will not make them suicidal. Most likely they will be relieved that you have asked. Experts believe that most people are ambivalent about their wish to die.

Listen actively to what the person is saying to you. Remain calm and do not judge what you are being told. Do not advise the person not to feel the way they are.

Reassure the person that there is help for their problems and reassure them that they are not "bad" or "stupid" because they are thinking about suicide.

Help the person break down their problem(s) into more manageable pieces. It is easier to deal with one problem at a time.

Emphasize that there are ways other than suicide to solve problems. Help the person to explore these options, for example, ask them what else they could do to change their situation.

Offer to investigate counselling services.

Do not agree to keep the person's suicidal thoughts or plans a secret. Helping someone who is suicidal can be very stressful. Get help - ask family members and friends for their assistance and to share the responsibility.

Suggest that the person see a doctor for a complete physical. Although there are many things that family and friends can do to help, there may be underlying medical problems that require professional intervention. Your doctor can also refer patients to a psychiatrist, if necessary.

Try to get the person to see a trained counselor. Do not be surprised if the person refuses to go to a counselor - but be persistent. There are many types of caregivers for the suicidal. If the person will not go to a psychologist, or a psychiatrist, suggest, for example, they talk to a clergyperson, a guidance counselor or a teacher.
 

 166 partners in Curry and Del Norte counties where you can get free "R U OK? It's OK to say "I'm not OK." cards (3/309/20)

Shortcut to this page https://bit.ly/36ujvbD

Pickup a wallet card that talks about suicide prevention and gives a 24/7 Helpline phone number and a 24/7 crisis text line number. Keep one in your wallet to give to someone who might be going through depression or a tough time with a job, alcohol, physical health, financial, or an intimate partner.

We have semicolon buttons for schools and youth therapists. Youth wear it or put it on their back-pack to let people know they're willing to listen. It's also a great conversation starter about what it means. When a person dies by suicide, they put a period at the end of their life. When they refrain from a suicide attempt, or survive it, they put on a semicolon button saying something like "my storys not over." with the intention of continuing to live on.

Let's end the stigma around suicide by being willing to talk openly about our experience and to listen to theirs without judgment. Pick up free wallet cards at any of these locations. Contact gordonclay@aol.com for additional supplies or to add your company to this list.

Arcata, CA (1)

Breast amd GYN Health Project, 987 89th St.

Bandon, OR (1)

Coast Community Health Center, 1010 1st St SE, Ste 110

Brookings-Harbor, OR (57)

Babin Law P.C., 517 Chetco Ave.
Better Health Family Medical, 1101 Chetco Ave
Blue Water Cafe & Lounge, 97900 Shopping Center Ave, Ste 24-25
Brookings City Hall, 898 Elks Dr.
Brookings-Harbor Community Food Bank, 539- Hemlock St.
Brookings-Harbor School District, 564 Fern St
Brookings-Harbor Visitor & Tour Center, 16358 Lower Harbor Rd
Brookings Liquor Store, 97921 Shopping Center Ave.
Brookings Police Department, 898 Elks Dr.
Bud Bros, 1240 Chetco Ave, Suite E & F
Bud Mart, 97900 Shopping Center Ave. #37
Carquest Autoparts, 718 Chetco Ave
Chetco Activity Center, 550 Chetco Ln
Chetco Community Public Library, 405 Alder St
Chetco Medical Center, 97825 Shopping Center Ave
Chetco Outdoor Store, 1622 W. Hoffeldt Lane
Computer Fusion, 325 Pacific Ave
Costa Clinical Psychology, 625 Spruce St
Curry Coastal Pilot, 15957 Hwy 101 S, Ste 1
Curry Community Health, School Based Health Center, Students Only, 629 Easy St
Curry Community Health, Addictions, Behavioral Health, 615 5th St. (2)
Curry County Veterans Services, 517 Railroad Ave
Curry Equipment, 15745 Hwy 101 South
Curry Medical Center - Emergency Care, 500 5th St. (2)
Democrats Headquarters, 617 Chetco Ave
Foggy Bottom Bar & Grill, 16372 Lower Harbor Rd.
Foxglove Wellness and Apothecary, 511 Fern Ave.
Gunner's Sport Shop, 97797 S Bank Chetco River Rd.
Gypsies, 549 Chetco Ave
Harbor Personal Security, 15651 Hwy 101 S.
Harbor Tattoo Gallery, 545 Chetco Ave
High Tide Wellness Center, 15957 S. Hwy 101, Suite 4
La Mota Dispensary, 307 Fern Ave
Lionheart Medical Club, 1105 Chetco Ave
Main Street Skate & Mind Body Spirit Beaches Boutique, 656 Chetco Ave.
Napa Auto Parts, 1130 Chetco Ave.
Ocean Coast Community Actions, 517 Railroad St.
Pac-Nor Barreling Inc, 99299 Overlook Rd
Quality Fast Lube, 845 Railroad St
Queen Bee Boutique, 407 A Oak St
Railroad Street Market & Deli, 534 Railroad St.
Rebel Ink Tattoo Studio, 16118 Lower Harbor Rd
Recycled Video Games, 1045 Chetco Avenue
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 401 Fir St.
South Coast Dispensaries, 1025 Chetco Ave # 4
Southwestern Oregon Community College, 96082 Lone Ranch Pkwy
State Line Cannabis, 14377 Hwy 101 South

Suiter's Paint & Body Shop, 229 King St.
Tryke City Recreational & Medical Cannabis, 407 Oak St.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 966, 507 Pacific Ave.
Village Express Mail Center, 1041 Chetco Ave
Wayne Taylor Insurance, 607 Chetco Ave
WorkSource Oregon, 16261 Hwy 101 South, Suite 11
World Famous Top Shelf Cannabis, 704 Chedtco Ave.
Wright's Custom Framing and Art Supplies, 810 Chetco Ave.

Crescent City, CA (42)

Baxter Auto Parts, 425 L St Unit H
Coastal Connections, 475 K St.
College of the Redwoods, Library, 883 W. Washington Blvd.
College of the Redwoods, Student Support Services, 883 W. Washington Blvd.
Crescent City/Del Norte Food Bank, 286 M St.
Crescent City Library, 190 Price Mall
Crescent City Police, 686 G St.
Del Norte Child Care Council, 212 K St
Del Norte Community Health Center, 550 E Washington Blvd
Del Norte County Sheriff, 650 5th St
Del Norte Senior Center, 1765 Northcrest Dr
Del Norte Triplicate Newspaper, 501 H St
Del Norte Unified School District, 301 W. Washington Blvd.
Del Norte Workforce Center, 875 5th St.
Department of Health and Human Services, 880 Northcrest Dr
Department of Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health Branch, 1125 Burtschell
Department of Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health Branch, 455 K St.
Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Branch, 400 K St.
Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Branch, 400 L St.
Elk Valley Rancheria Wellness Center, 440 Mathews
Family Resource Center of the Redwoods, 494 Pacific Ave.
Fine Line Design, 847 3rd St
Harrington House, 535 W. Harding St.
KFUG Radio, 573 Elk Valley Rd
KGRE Radio, 1345 Northcrest Dr
KPOD Radio, 1345 Northcrest Dr.
Light Center Tutoring, College of the Redwoods, 883 W. Washington Blvd.
Mor-Jon Napa Auto Parts, 137 E. Washiington St.
Open Door Latino Health Center, 550 E Washington Blvd (3)
Open Door Teen Clinic, 883 W. Washington Blvd
Redwood Coast Regional Center, 1301-A Northcrest Dr
Redwood Urgent Care, 286 M St.
Redwood Voice, 990 Front St.
Remi Vista, Inc. 370 9th St..
Sticky Grove, 1070 US Hwy 101 N
Tsunami Games, 260 I St.
Two Guys Automotive, 775 Hwy 101 N.
Veterns Administration, 810 H St.
Wild Rivers Community Foundation, 990 Front St.
Workforce Center, 286 M St.

Smith River, CA (5)

Lucky 7 Casino, 350 N. Indian Rd. (employee program)
Smith River Library, 241 Front St.
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation (tribal office)
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Family Services,
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Domestic Violence,110 W First St.

Gold Beach, OR (36)
Bright Eyes Midwifery & Wild Rivers Women's Health Center, 29135 Ellensburg Ave.
Carquest Auto Parts,29536 Ellensburg Ave
C & M Equipment, 29309 Ellensburg Ave.
Chowder House, 29376 Ellensburg Ave
Christian Help Food Bank, 29811 Colvin St. Ste 1
Christian Help Thrift Store, 29813 Colvin St,
Club Sockeye, 29970 Ellensburg Ave
Corner Drug & Gifts, 29670 Ellensburg Ave (3)
Curry Community Health, Clubhouse, 29845 Airport Way
Curry Community Health, Integrated Community Services, 29692 Ellensburg Ave. (2)
Curry Community Public Library
Curry County Sheriff's Office, 29808 Colvin St.
Curry Health Network, Hospital (3)
Department of Human Services
, 94145 W. 5th Pl.
Double D's Cafe, 29441 Ellensburg Ave.
Elk River Training Home, 94178 9Th St
First Presbyterian Church, 29692 Hillcrest St,
Gold Beach Books, Biscuit Art Gallery, and Rachel's Coffee House 29707 Ellensburg Ave
Gold Beach City Hall, 29592 Ellensburg Ave.
Gold Beach High School, 29516 Ellensburg Ave,
Gold Beach Police Department, 29592 Ellensburg Ave.
Gold Beach Senior Center, 29841 Airport Way
Gold Beach Speedy Mart, 29830 Ellensburg Ave.
Gold Beach Visitor Center, 94080 Shirley Lane
Gold Rush Building, (lobby), 29286 Ellensburg Ave,
Harmony Home for Seniors and People with Disabilities, Crook
Indian Ceek Cafe, 34682 Jerry's Flat Rd
KGBR, 29795 Ellensburg Ave
La Casita de Oro Mexican Food, 29471 Ellensburg Ave
La Mota Dispensary, 29846 Ellensburg Ave.
Napa Auto Parts, 29661 Ellensburg Ave.
Oasis Shelter Home, Inc, 29975 Harbor Way
Port Hole Cafe lobby, 29975 Harbor Way
Rouge Outdoor Store, 29865 Ellensburg Ave.
Sacred Gifts 101,
(moved/closed?)
Wally's House, 94166 Eighth St.
Wild Oaks Grill, 29545 Ellensburg Ave,

Pistol River (1)

Pistol River Friendship Hall, 24252 Carpenterville Rd

Langlois, OR (3)

Langlois Community Church, 94284 Main St.
Langlois Market, 48444 US-101,
Langlois Public Library, 48234 Hwy 101

Port Orford, OR (20)

Buddhas Recreational Center, 264 6th St., Ste D
Christian Center, 936 Washington St
Coast Community Health Center, 716 Hwy 101
Curry Community Health, Integrated Services, 1403 Oregon St.
Curry Health Network, 525 Madrona St.
Kar Kare Auto Parts, 1717 Oregon St.
Mr. Ed's Espresso & Juice, 1320 Oregon St., Ste A
The Nest Cafe, 832 Oregon St.
Port Orford City Hall, 555 20th St.
Port Orford Food Co-op, 812 Oregon St.
Port Orford.Langlois School District, 45525 Hwy 101.
Port Orford Library, 1421 Oregon St.
Port Orford Police Department, 555 20th St.
Port Orford RV Village, 2855 Port Orford Loop Rd
Port Orford Senior Center, 1536 Jackson St.
Port Orford Thrift Store, 1536 Jackson St.
Port Orford Visitor's Center, 520 Jefferson St,
Tasty Kate's, 917 St. Highway 101.
TJ's Cafe and Coffee House, 1825 Oregon St.
Zion Lutheran Church, 2015 Washington St,

www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org/semicolon.html

Get a business card for your wallet explaining the program with a crisis phone line and crisis text line listed. Some locations have our 1 1/4" round semicolon button, too. Do you own a business which would like to participate in this campaign? Send an email request to gordonclay@aol.com

Check back often because we hope to list additional locations with a supply of these free items.

Why keep a semicolon business card in your wallet?


Two sided business card

;

Suicide is preventable. It is not chosen and it is momentary. It happens when pain exceeds the resources for coping with pain. You're not a bad person, or crazy, or weak, or flawed, if you feel suicidal. It doesn't even mean that you really want to die. If you have ever seriously considered suicide but didn't end your life with a period, use a semicolon to make a statement like "; I'm still here." or "; my story isn't over." Learn the early warning signs. Know that talking or calling a crisis line isn't a sign of weakness. It shows real strength to ask for help. And it shows real strength to be an ally. Help reduce the stigma around depression and suicidal ideation. Wear a semicolon button signifying you've willing to listen to someone in crisis. If you want help now, call the
National Hopeline 24/7 at 800-273-TALK (8255) or Text "SOS" to 741741.
www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org/semicolon.html
Note: The semicolon above fills one side of the actual business card

90% of men who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health issue at the time of death


80% of suicide attempts are by women. 80% of successful suicides are by men and men using a gun. In 90% of those suicide cases, men are suffering from a mental health issue. (see below) Men are most reticent to talk about their problems, and since suicide is usually a momentary thing, tend not to as for help.

If you know a man who is going through one of the following issues, be sure to give him one of these cards, let him know you are available to talk confidentially, and insure that he knows that most people who call a crisis line aren't suicidal. They just need someone to talk through what's going on for them. If he is a good friend ask him to commit to you that he won't do anything rash until he gets aold of you and you can talk it through. (Bill Withers song, Lean on Me.)

46.3% had an intimate partner problem
31.6% had a problem with alcohol
29.6% had a job problem
27.5% had a financikal problem
24.3% had a physical health problem
62.9% had a current depressed mood

*     *     *

People who commit suicide put a period at the end of their life. People who seriously consider suicide but stop have put a semicolon at that point and carry on.

“The person who completes suicide, dies once. Those left behind die a thousand deaths, trying to relive those terrible moments and understand … why?”

“Place your hand over your heart, can you feel it? That is called purpose. You’re alive for a reason so don’t ever give up.”

"I take it that no man is educated who has never dallied with the thought of suicide." - William James

“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”

It’s not the bullet that kills you, it’s the hole. Call 911 or a crisis line.

You can't unfire a fire arm

  Women seek help—men die.” Jed Diamond

Don't blow your brains out! They are right where they need to be.

“Never never never give up.” – Winston Churchill

Just clearing out the shit - all of those unhealthy messages and thoughts.

 
©2017-2023, www.ZeroAttempts.org /semicolon.html
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