Suicide Prevention

People who are incarcerated may feel overwhelmed by the experience or they have concerns about other things going on in their lives. Sadly, a percentage of these people feel desperate enough to consider taking their own life.

You Could Save a Life and We Want to Help

If at any time a friend, relative, or loved one share thoughts or show signs of suicide such as hopelessness or change in their behavior, please notify an Officer or any staff member at our facilities. Even if the inmate mentions killing him/herself and then says they were not serious, they may have been, so please, notify a staff member immediately.
 

Signs and Symptoms

Experience has shown certain signs and symptoms exhibited by the inmate can foretell a possible suicide. Approximately 70-80% of all suicides are committed by people who are severely depressed. The following symptoms are common signs of someone who may be depressed:

  • Inability to go on (expressing hopelessness/helplessness)
  • Extreme sadness and crying
  • Withdrawal or silence
  • Loss or increase of appetite and/or weight
  • Pessimistic attitude
  • Insomnia or awakening early
  • Excessive sleeping
  • Mood variations
  • Tenseness
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of self-esteem
  • Loss of interest in people or activities
  • Excessive self-blaming
  • Strong feelings of guilt 
  • Agitation
  • Fear

Remember, Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.