September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Many of us know someone who has attempted or died by suicide, yet it is still a stigmatized subject. I have dealt with anxiety and depression since my late teens, so I’m passionate about destigmatizing the judgment around treating mental health. I also know how scary it is when you are in a dark place and experiencing suicidal thoughts. Suicide Prevention Month brings light to the issue and reminds ourselves we are not alone.
Key Facts
Suicide is usually the result of an untreated mental health condition. It is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24, and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
Mental health conditions and suicide can affect anyone no matter sex, race, income, or status. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, followed by non-Hispanic whites. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth, and transgender adults are almost nine times more likely to commit suicide at some point in their life compared to the general population.
Awareness – It’s OK to Talk about Suicide
There’s several things you can do to promote suicide prevention awareness throughout your community. The most important thing to do is to start the conversation. The NAMI has resources and infographics regarding suicide prevention that you can share.
Encourage discussions on social media or through other forms of outreach. If you struggle with mental health, consider sharing your personal story. It can be terrifying to open up and let yourself be vulnerable, but it’s empowering to share your experience and show others that no one is perfect. Your story might even help save someone’s life.
Check on Your Family and Friends
If you know someone who is struggling, reach out. If they are no longer enjoying things they used to and seem withdrawn, they could be severely depressed. Most individuals in this mental state have a hard time reaching out for help, so it’s crucial to be there for them. By simply showing up and letting them talk about the tough stuff without judgment, we can help prevent a harmful outcome.
What To Do if You’re Struggling
Remember you are not alone
Crisis resources are available to help. You can call or text 988 to be connected with trained counselors. The 988 Suicide & Crisis 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 in the United States. There is also a chat feature at 988lifeline.org.
Reach out to a health professional
If you are concerned or worried about your mental health or are having distressing thoughts, reach out to a physician, therapist or psychiatrist. There are also therapy online services where you can connect with licensed therapists.
Build a support plan
When we’re in a dark place, it can be difficult to remember who we can call on for help. Try making a list of people who have helped you before in the past. During a time of despair, reach out to those individuals for support.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is not just for individuals suffering from mental health conditions or suicidal thoughts, it’s for everyone. Spreading awareness and de-stigmatizing conversations is crucial to preventing suicide. Remember, you are loved and not alone. If you are going through a difficult time, please reach out. Your story does not end here.
If you need support for reaching out to a friend or loved one, make sure to read What to Say to Someone Struggling with Mental Illness.
Additional Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
