TAKE ACTION
SEPTEMBER 2021
What you can do to prevent suicide
If you or someone close to you is in distress to the point of considering suicide, there are ways to help — and save — your life or theirs. If you’re unsure about how to talk to someone about suicide, begin with learning the signs of someone in danger. Recognizing signs of suicide risk is essential. But sometimes the most important actions are the simplest – listen and talk.
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It’s hard to talk about feelings – especially difficult, negative feelings. People who are at the end of their rope often don’t reach out for help, seeing their distress as a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s a sign of strength to share and connect with others. Here are three important ways you can make connections for yourself or someone you care about.
1. Ask and listen
People can be afraid to ask someone if they are considering suicide, thinking it may spur them to follow through. In fact, that’s not the case. Asking means you care and lets the person express what they’re going through. Listening makes the other person feel seen and heard.
2. Talk
If you’re the one feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, take those feelings seriously. Know you are not alone, and reach out to a friend, co-worker, trusted doctor, or family member for help. Be honest about your pain; don’t minimize or downplay it.
3. Connect
Know you’re not alone. You have friends, family and co-workers who care about you. Learn about the resources available to you and others 24/7. Don’t wait – help is available now.
Resources for you
If you or someone you care about is struggling, help is available.
- To contact Resources For Living® (RFL®)* for free counseling sessions with either a licensed therapist or psychologist, call 833-721-2320 (TTY:711) or visit Costcobenefits.com.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741. You can call or text for someone else who may need immediate help
- Consult with your primary care physician (PCP) for help with medication(s) and mental health care referrals. Don’t have a PCP? Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Provider” under What If I. You can also visit Aetna.com, or call your Aetna Health Concierge at 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711).
- Rethink provides parenting and family support at no cost. The program can help anyone raising tweens and teens with social, emotional and behavioral challenges — which can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. There is no age restriction, requires no diagnosis and is completely confidential. Visit RethinkBenefits.com or call 800-714-9285 to learn more.
*Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, help is available.
- To contact Resources For Living® (RFL®)* for free counseling sessions with either a licensed therapist or psychologist, call 833-721-2320 (TTY:711) or visit Costcobenefits.com.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741. You can call or text for someone else who may need immediate help
- Consult with your primary care physician (PCP) for help with medication(s) and mental health care referrals. Don’t have a PCP? Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Provider” under What If I. You can also call TeleConsulta available through Triple-S 24/7 at 800-981-3241 to connect with a nurse for immediate attention.
- Rethink provides parenting and family support at no cost. The program can help anyone raising tweens and teens with social, emotional and behavioral challenges — which can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. There is no age restriction, requires no diagnosis and is completely confidential. Visit RethinkBenefits.com or call 800-714-9285 to learn more.
*Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, help is available.
- To contact Resources For Living® (RFL®)* for free counseling sessions with either a licensed therapist or psychologist, call 833-721-2320 (TTY:711) or visit Costcobenefits.com.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741. You can call or text for someone else who may need immediate help
- Consult with your primary care physician (PCP) for help with medication(s) and mental health care referrals. Don’t have a PCP? Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Provider” under What If I. You can also call HMSA Online Care 24/7 at 800-776-4672 to connect with doctors or specialists.
- Rethink provides parenting and family support at no cost. The program can help anyone raising tweens and teens with social, emotional and behavioral challenges — which can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. There is no age restriction, requires no diagnosis and is completely confidential. Visit RethinkBenefits.com or call 800-714-9285 to learn more.
*Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.