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Onondaga County
Suicide Prevention
Coalition
The Onondaga County Suicide Prevention Coalition (OCSPC) is a collaboration of stakeholders devoted to creating a suicide-safer community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to link our community with suicide prevention resources to reduce stigma, promote help-seeking and save lives.
We can all prevent Suicide
Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis and change the conversation around suicide.
Have an honest, open conversation
If you think someone is thinking about suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out.
Here’s how to talk to someone who may be struggling with their mental health:
- Talk to them in private and tell them you care.
- Listen to their story.
- Avoid debating the value of life, minimizing their problems or giving advice.
- It’s okay to directly ask about suicide.
- Encourage them to seek help or to contact their doctor or therapist.
If a person says they are considering suicide:
- Take the person seriously.
- Stay with them.
- Help them remove lethal means.
Know the Warning Signs
Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings