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Home > Health Care Services > View All Services > Mental Health > What Should I do if I or a Loved One is Feeling Suicidal?

What Should I do if I or a Loved One is Feeling Suicidal?

Go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 immediately

Mental HealthIf you or your loved one is feeling suicidal, make sure you or the suicidal person is not left alone. Make sure anything possibly dangerous (for example, weapons or medication) is removed from the environment.

Warning signs of suicide:
  • Talking about feeling suicidal or wanting to die
  • Writing a suicide note
  • Feeling a burden to others
  • Feeling hopeless and helpless
  • Putting personal affairs in order, such as giving away belongings or organizing finances
Suicidal signs should always be taken seriously. Contrary to myth, someone revealing suicidal plans is not less likely to go through with it! Suicide attempts are not a cry for attention!

Other risk factors include:
  • Prior history of suicide attempt
  • Family history of suicide
  • Family history of violence
  • Exposure to suicidal behavior of others, or even through the media
Death by suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. The highest rates of suicide are found in white men over age 85.

Suicidal feelings are highly treatable. Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network caregivers are skilled in assessing and intervening in possibly self-destructive individuals. A specialized team in all three hospital emergency departments is available to evaluate people in distress around the clock.

The best way to handle an emergency is to prevent one. Find out how we can help move your life forward by clicking on our services below.

Adolescent and Child Mental Health Services
When a young person feels stressed-out or hopeless, we can help More >>

Inpatient Programs
Most behavioral health illnesses do not require a lengthy hospitalization More >>

Mental Health Outpatient Programs
We’ll help you cope with stress, anxiety, marriage problems or the death of a loved one More >>

Partial Hospitalization Program
You can receive treatment during the day and return home at night More >>


This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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Mental Health

Ask Our Expert
Q: My son has been acting depressed. Can this be a serious problem?
A: Yes. Depression can lead to suicide, a growing problem in United States. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-19.


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Lehigh Valley Hospital has campuses in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pa. and serves the Pennsylvania communities of Easton, Doylestown, Quakertown, Hazelton, Lehighton, Perkasie, Pottstown, Pottsville, Reading, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, Stroudsburg, and the Poconos and also Phillipsburg and Flemington, N.J., and western New Jersey. You don't have to travel to Philadelphia or New York for quality health care.

 
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