Hope, not Hopeless

Helpless and hopeless.

When the group of Southcoast caregivers got together to talk about the creation of Help & Hope Southcoast, many wanted the site to exist for those who feel this way — that help and hope do not exist.

The site, they said, needs to light the dark corners where people feel alone and without a future, because there is no hope and nowhere to turn for help.

The website name, Help and Hope Southcoast, came out of those discussions and was chosen because it sends a clear message to anyone feeling helpless and hopeless.

Help and hope do exist in the Southcoast.

People who are thinking about ending their life often feel that life is hopeless. There is no hope, no future, so suicide becomes a rational option. Help and hope is a message they haven’t heard or don’t believe.

We can all provide hope and help by learning the signs for suicide and knowing where to reach out to connect with help.

Here are eight warning signs of someone who is at risk of suicide from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Pay particular attention to behaviors that are new, have become more frequent or intense, or are connected to loss or a dramatic life change.

Warning signs include:

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain;

• Talking about being a burden to others;

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs;

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly;

• Sleeping too little or too much;

• Withdrawing or feeling isolated;

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; or,

• Displaying extreme mood swings.

If you see these signs, don’t be afraid to ask the person if they are thinking of suicide. If the answer is yes, seek help immediately from one of the many Southcoast organizations that exist to provide hope and help.

Check out the resource page here for a full list or for immediate help, go here.