• Suicide is preventable—most people considering suicide want help
• Few suicides or suicide attempts happen without some warning
• Talking about suicide, or asking about suicide will not cause that person to harm themselves
• Suicide "secrets", "pacts", or "notes" must be shared
• People most frequently share their suicidal thoughts with their friends
• Suicidal behavior is not just a way to get attention
• Any type of person can attempt suicide, whether they are popular or unpopular, rich or poor
• People at high risk for suicide may appear happy
• People who show marked improvement after a suicide attempt may still be at risk
• Suicide is painful. It is not "an easy way out"

According to experts, people are more likely to consider death by suicide if they have some of the following:

• Previous suicide attempts
• Family history of suicidal behavior
• Recent losses: death of family member, relative, or friend
• Social isolation, withdrawal from family and friends
• History of Mental Illness
• Drug or Alcohol Abuse
• Exposure to violence in the home or social environment
• History of trauma
• Engaging in violent or self-destructive behaviors
• Chronic physical illness
• Confusion about sexual orientation
• Homelessness
• Loss of social status
• Victim of humiliation/bullying
• Access to lethal means such as firearms or medication

Although some do not, most people considering suicide will show signs that they are in distress. People may be at risk if they:

• Talk about suicide or a plan for suicide
• Have a preoccupation with death and dying
• Are making statements of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness
• Say things like, "I wish I were dead," "I shouldn't have been born," "I won't be a problem for you much longer"
• Talk about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, or being a burden to others
• Show a loss of interest in usual activities
• Have changes with appetite and/or sleep
• Have trouble concentrating, difficulty with school work or work.
• Show marked personality changes, or frequent changes of mood
• Act angry, anxious, agitated, or are behaving recklessly
• Are isolating or distancing themselves from family and/or friends
• Start giving away prized possessions

When you suspect someone may be suicidal, you can help:

• Get help—don't leave the person alone
• Show you care—be engaging
• Listen with support and understanding
• Share your concern for how they are feeling
• Be direct but non-confrontational
• Ask if they are thinking about suicide
• Do not minimize problems or concerns
• Do not promise confidentiality
• Do not preach, judge or argue
• Contact an adult, a teacher, a guidance counselor, or other professional
• Stay calm, listen, acknowledge concerns, convey understanding
• Assist them with contact for help - The Mobile Integration Team will come to you - call 1-844-435-7648

Tioga County Mental Hygiene Clinic -

• M-F 9am-5pm
• # 607-687-4000

After Hours & Weekends:

• Sheriff's Dept.-Ask for the Mental Health on call
• # 607-687-1010

Tioga County Mobile Integration Team -

• # 1-844-435-7648

Binghamton General Hospital -

• (CPEP) 24 hrs. a day
• # 607-762-2458

Cayuga Medical Center -

• # 607-274-4304

Robert Packer Hospital -

• # 570-887-6550

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 -

• 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

 Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Support Group   -  Ithaca, NY

• Contact: Sheila McCue, LCSW
• Meeting Place: Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service, 124 E. Court St., Ithaca
• Meeting Day(s)/& Time: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month ~ 6:30pm
• Facilitated: Professional
• Charge: No
• Last Updated: 12/20/2016
• Phone:607-272-1505 x103

Smile through the Storms  - Elmira, NY

• Contact: Deb Maxwell (607) 734-6174
• Meeting Place:
  Economic Opportunity Program Building
  650 Baldwin St.
  Elmira,  NY 14901

• Meeting Day(s) & Time: 1st Wednesday of every month ~ 5:30pm
• Facilitated: Chemung County Suicide Prevention Coalition
• Charge: No
• Last Updated: 03/12/2015

**For more listings in NYS visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Website: https://afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone/