Common warning signs:
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Saying direct phrases like, "I don't want to live anymore."
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Saying indirect phrases like, "I won't be around much longer."
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Acquiring a gun
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Stockpiling pills
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Situations such as bullying or major change to daily life.
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Isolation
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Drug or alcohol abuse
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Unexplained anger, aggression and irritability.
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and other situational, behavioral and verbal signs.

Checking on your friends on social media is one thing but sending a quick text or making a quick phone call could save a life. Strong meaningful and positive relationships with others can protect and prevent against suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Think about the feeling you get when you connect with your friends - it’s a good feeling and good vibes. Connectedness between individuals can lead to increased frequency of social contact, lowered levels of social isolation or loneliness. These interactions between families, friends and community are important and can increase feelings of belonging which strengthen a sense of identity and personal worth. Ultimately, this provides the support that we all need! So make that call you've been putting off.
One lost connection could lead to suicide.
You matter, and here's why.
No matter how it feels, no matter the circumstances and no matter what you are going through, you are loved.

Do you feel as if your life does not matter or you are a burden on your loved ones? Have you had suicidal thoughts?
Are you aware that your family, friends and loved ones could be suffering around you without ever showing it?
According to the “Ring the Alarm: the Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America,” report, self-reported suicide attempts rose by 73% between 1991-2017 for Black high school students who took the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, while injuries by attempt rose by 122% for Black adolescent males. This information indicates that suicide was the second leading cause of death and in 2017.
We can no longer turn a blind eye to mental health challenges and suicide. Life is better with you here and we want to help you.
Protective factors are characteristics that help to adapt to different levels of hardship. Studies show protective factors in Black adolescents buffer against suicidal thoughts and attempts.
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One way to describe protective factors against suicide for Black youth is to categorize them into five areas:
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Strong family support and relationships
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Religious and spiritual engagement
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Community and social support
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Personal factors like positive self-esteem, emotional well-being or strong academic performance)
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Factors such as stable family housing, income and employment.