What are the warning signs that someone is at risk for suicide?

• Feeling extreme depression, guilt, or shame.
• Feeling hopeless.
• Talking about, or preoccupation with, death or suicide.
• Preparing for death, such as updating/preparing a will, giving away possessions, or taking steps to access lethal means (buying a firearm, acquiring quantities of pills/medication, researching ways to die).
• Exhibiting a dramatic change in behavior, including withdrawal from friends or usual activities, increased alcohol/drug use, difficulties in sleeping or eating, decreased self-care.

What should I do if I suspect someone is experiencing a crisis or is hurting?

If you believe someone needs help, we encourage you to follow the ACE (Ask, Care, Escort) suicide prevention model, with these easy-to-remember steps:

Ask – Ask, "Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Although it may feel awkward, research shows that people having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks them in a caring way.

Care – Show you care. The context of caring makes it a lot easier to ask the hard questions about suicide. By actively listening and engaging, without judgment, you are showing that you care – this might just be enough to help the person feel relief and that they are not alone.

Escort – When someone acknowledges that they are feeling suicidal or hopeless, care enough to connect them to the nearest helping resource. Do not leave them alone! If possible, separate them from methods of harm.

What resources are available for someone who is suicidal or in need of help?

• Take the person to the nearest Emergency Room, where they will receive a full suicide assessment and receive needed care. If the person is hesitant to receive emergency healthcare, call 911.
• Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and follow their guidance. You can also visit their websitefor further information.

• If the person you know has a mental health professional that they see, help them schedule an urgent appointment. If they do not have an existing connection with a mental health professional, help them make an urgent appointment with their family physician.

What other resources are there for employees who may not be in a suicidal crisis, but need support?

• The DHS Suicide Prevention page provides risk factors and other ways to assist anyone who may need help.
• Your Component Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers a variety of useful, free, confidential services for DHS employees and their families, including counseling, financial consultation, legal aid, and dependent care resources, and elder care support.
• The DHS Employee Resources website offers information and resources to help you support your family, work-life balance, health and wellness, and mental well-being.

For more information on suicide prevention, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Free Pool Fridays

 

 Memorial Brick purchase for VFW Post 8738 Memorial Walk 

Please click the link below for online order placement 

 https://www.fundraisingbrick.com/online-orders/vfwpost8738/

 

Awards Ceremony/Banquet

13 Jan 2024

6p

 

Steak Night

$18.00/Person

8 oz Sirloin Steak, Baked Potato, Side Salad & Dessert

5:30-7:30p

19 Jan 2024

 

Post Audits Due to HQs QM

31 January 2024

qm@vfwsc.org

District 2 Meeting

VFW Post 4262

5821 North Main Street

Columbia, SC

Eat at 10a

Meet at 11a

 

ALL YOU CAN EAT (AYCE) OYSTERS $50

Includes AYCE Chicken Bog/Chili

3-5p 

 

AYCE CHICKEN BOG/CHILIE $20

3-5p

 

SC VFW MID-WINTER CONFERENCE

N. MYRTLE BEACH, SC

HILTON MYRTLE BEACH RESORT

25-28 January 2024

 

For more information on the mid-winter conference, please visit state vfw website at: vfwsc.org