PRS Crisis Link

PRS Crisis Link and Suicide Prevention

This month’s topic was suicide prevention and bullying. Although it may be difficult to talk about, suicide is a serious issue that affects the lives of many. Nearly 40,000 Americans took their lives in 2014, and suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Many people who experience suicidal thoughts or feelings often struggle to obtain help and support.

One organization based in Northern Virginia that aims to provide help, support and empowerment to people feeling depressed, suicidal, bullied or lonely is Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRS) CrisisLink. This 24 hour, 7 day a week call and text service is composed primarily of trained volunteers who are available to provide support for anyone who is experiencing or knows someone experiencing any form of emotional distress with any cause. In 1969, CrisisLink was founded for Arlington teens seeking help, and in the years since, has expanded to cater to all age groups in Northern Virginia, and even outside of the region. The resource center is largely composed of trained volunteers who come from a wide variety of ages, ethnicities, cultures, lifestyles and backgrounds.

We would like to thank Mr. Brill for coming to talk with us about this issue, and all the volunteers at PRS CrisisLink for the fantastic work they do every day.

How You Can Help

You can volunteer at a crisis hotline, create awareness, or fundraise. To create awareness you can post stickers for a crisis text hotline in school bathrooms. Crisis Text Line (CTL), a 24/7 crisis text-messaging service, provides real-time, anonymous counseling specifically to young people. Students can text anything to 741-741 if they ever need someone to listen.

Another advocacy idea is to ask permission from your school to read anti-bullying tactics and relevant inspirational quotes over the school loudspeaker for a week.

For example:

Tactic: If you feel comfortable in the situation, step in and stop the bullying face-to-face.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” --Winston Churchill

You can also spread positivity by posting notes on school mirrors to improve people’s self-esteem. Use sticky notes to write encouragement and inspiration. 

 

You can run bake sales or yard sales with your friends to raise money for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or other non-profit suicide call centers.

If you or a friend are thinking about suicide or self-harm, consider these options. There are many reasons to enjoy life, and we want to help you rediscover them.

-By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.

-Calling (703) 527-4077 will put you in touch with a local-Virginia area help center.

-Texting can sometimes be an easier way to reach out. Text the PRS crisis hotline at 703.940.0888 to talk to someone who cares

-Talk to a friend, family member, counselor, or teacher. Although they may not express it on a daily basis, there are many people in this world who care deeply about you.

-Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter all have suicide prevention methods built in. Simply click on the help buttons to learn more.

-Visit http://www.stopbullying.gov/ to learn how to stop bullying.

-LGBTQ individuals are often at a higher risk for suicide and bullying. Visit http://www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org/ to find information and call lines.

Take a pledge against bullying!

http://www.pacer.org/bullying/digitalpetition/

How to Help a Suicidal Friend

1: Be on the lookout for “invitations”. Suicidal individuals may show that they want someone to help them through their behavior. Signs may include abnormal impulsiveness, moodiness, or mentions of suicide.

2: Ask openly and directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” This may be scary, but it shows that you care and are a supportive resource for someone whether they are considering suicide or not.

3: Be a non-judgemental, considerate listener. Let your friend talk about their thoughts and feelings. Don’t be dismissive. Don’t rush them off to find treatment. Show that you care.

4: Help your friend connect to other support resources. Check out PRS Crisis Link and Suicide Prevention and the other resources mentioned in this post!

5: Continue to care and check on your friend even if they seem to be doing better. PRS Crisis Link and Suicide Prevention will also support and advise you as a caregiver to your friend.

6: Attend a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program if you are 16 or older. Go to livingworks.net to find sessions in your area.

Here’s a video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAMAnPRLMH8

*Remember, if someone you know is in serious danger of suicide, call 911 immediately.*