Please (Don’t kill yourself). Loneliness is often a risk factor for suicide. The COVID-19 pandemic may increase feelings of loneliness, especially in our elders.  Find safe, socially distanced ways of connecting with the elders in your life. To learn interventions and approaches that can be taken to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older adults, visit  http://www.sprc.org/resources-programs/reducing-loneliness-social-isolation-among-older-adults.

Please (Don’t kill yourself). Deaths by suicide are hurting our tribal communities, but we can be the change. If you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or text “HUNKPATI” to 741741. https://sdsuicideprevention.org/specific-populations/american-indian/

Please (Don’t kill yourself). The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. To reach the Lifeline, call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), anytime.

Don’t take your life. Our tribal communities honor and recognize our veterans. Veteran suicides, like many groups, have been increasing in recent years.  Veterans, active duty service members, and military families can get specific information about crisis services tailored to the military from the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.

Don’t take your life. Many who die by suicide are of working age. The workplace can provide a good opportunity for suicide prevention efforts. Get to know the people you spend a great deal of time with and watch out for changes in mood and behavior. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or text “HUNKPATI” to 741741 https://sdsuicideprevention.org/specific-populations/workplace/

Don’t take your life. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment. Text “HUNKPATI” to 741741.

Think about life. It is natural to feel stressed and uncertainty. It’s okay to feel this way. Taking care of your feelings will help you think clearly and take care of your family during this time. 

Think about life. The Trevor Project provides 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirited Youth. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the Trevor Lifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.

Think about life. The Helpline Center’s Text4Hope program provides crisis texting support for all high school students in the state of South Dakota. Since texting is the preferred means of communication for adolescents, offering a crisis texting program allows students to share their concerns privately with trusted staff. Students can text icare to 898211 to reach Helpline Center staff. Help is available 24/7.

Think about life. The Helpline Center’s Text4Hope program provides crisis texting support for all high school students in the state of South Dakota. Since texting is the preferred means of communication for adolescents, offering a crisis texting program allows students to share their concerns privately with trusted staff. Students can text icare to 898211 to reach Helpline Center staff. Help is available 24/7.

Think about life. Stress for farmers and their families from the COVID-19 pandemic include unstable market prices, debt & cash flow, as well as related concerns about health and health care costs.  These factors can often lead to uncertainty and distress. Help is available, dial 211 or visit https://www.605strong.com/

Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, everyday life has changed and will continue to change for our tribal communities, often with little notice.

Children may struggle with adjusting to sudden changes due to the pandemic.  Increased stress and isolation can increase risk of unstable emotions.  Families are not alone in supporting their children.  Resources are available.

We have compiled a list of resources for caring for your children during this time. To view these resources, please visit the Mental Health Guidance for Families During COVID-19 drop-down on the DSS website. https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/bhcovid.aspx

Think about life.

Social distancing is being a good relative.  Social distancing is the best way we can protect our elders and those most likely to become very ill or die from COVID-19.

If you have to be in close contact, wear a mask, wash your hands, disinfect, burn sage, and if someone is becoming ill, have them get tested and wear a mask in the home. Stay connected to your friends, relatives, and those who are alone. For more resources on taking care of your mental health, visit https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/bhcovid.aspx.

Think about life. It is important for guardians to recognize changes in their loved one’s behavior that may indicate something is wrong. It is not always easy to determine between the usual ups and downs of moods and the signs of something more serious. In addition, youth may be reluctant to discuss their feelings. One important step that loved ones can take is to be aware of the risk factors and warning signs that a child might be at risk for suicide. Learn more at https://sdsuicideprevention.org/specific-populations/parents/

Think about life. 211 is an information, referral, and crisis helpline that provides crisis intervention services and resource information. When you dial 2-1-1, you talk to real people trained to help and connect you to the right resources, organizations, or people. 211 answers calls 24/7. Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak to a trained specialist.