Suicide Prevention & Postvention Resources Suicide Prevention & Postvention Resources Need help? Call now. We can all help to prevent suicide. The suicide rate in the United States has increased 30% from 2020-2021. It is up to all of us to learn the risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and the protective factors that guard against it, We can also learn what to do and how best to help others in the event of a suicide or other unexpected death by using the postvention resources below. Quick Links Suicide Prevention Resources Postvention Resources Risk Factors, Protective Factors & Warning Signs The suicide rate in Vermont is higher than the national average. As of 2021, these rates are higher than ever. Here in Bennington County, the intentional self-harm rate is the second highest in Vermont. Suicide Prevention Resources These resources can be downloaded and shared to help anyone recognize potential risk factors and warnings signs for suicide, and take action to help others. Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan Download brochure. 988 Card: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis. Download the 988 card to share the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline with anyone who might be experiencing emotional distress, substance use challenges, suicidal thinking, or any other mental health crisis. This card should also be shared with anyone in contact with people who might be experiencing these issues. Download 988 Card. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training UCS offers MHFA training for groups by request, as well as through regularly scheduled trainings that are open to the public. Learn more here. Download MHFA flyer. Postvention Resources These resources can be downloaded and shared to aid in the response to a suicide or other unexpected death in your workplace or community. Use these materials to identify a point person who handles all communication after a suicide or other unexpected death, assess the need for additional supports, reduce stigma, prepare written statements, and other actions. Postvention Media Guide Use this in-depth guide when informing the media and community about a suicide or other unexpected death in the workplace. Download Media Guide. Postvention E-Brochure As a business owner or workplace supervisor, you may be interacting with people affected by suicide or an unexpected death in one of the places they spend most of their time—the work site. This brochure provides postvention information that will aid in the response to a suicide or unexpected death that has occurred in the workplace or community. Download E-Brochure. Postvention E-Handbook This downloadable e-handbook provides postvention information that will aid in the response to a suicide or unexpected death that has occurred in the workplace or community. Download E-Handbook. After a suicide: Postvention Steps Quick-Guide If you or your community is impacted by suicide death or other tragedy, use this guide for steps on how to respond. These priority action steps are critically important parts of postvention. Download Quick Guide. Protective factors, risk factors & warning signs Certain factors can contribute to a decreased risk of suicide. By building a strong network of protective factors, we can help ourselves and others become more resilient. By learning the risk factors and warning signs for suicide, we are better able to help those who may be at risk of dying by suicide. Protective factors Reasons to live: Pets, family, positive relationships Effective coping skills Strong community connections Access to consistent, high quality healthcare Support from partners, friends and family Cultural, religious, or moral objections to suicide Risk factors Bullying Family history of suicide High conflict or violent relationships Current or prior adverse childhood experiences Substance use Serious illness/chronic pain Stigma associated with seeking help or mental illness Discrimination Trauma Job loss/financial struggles Social isolation Warning signs Increased anxiety Increased substance use Increased anger or rage Talking about being a burden Isolation Expressing hopelessness Sleeping too little or too much Searching for a way to access lethal means Extreme mood swings Making plans for suicide Talking or posting about wanting to die