|
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide, its causes, awareness around it, and its prevention are observed on National Suicide Prevention Month in September.
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
Every year during National Suicide Prevention Month in September, mental health advocates, survivors, friends and family, and mental health organizations across the country and around the world share their experiences and work towards eradicating this most tragic act.
It is a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope, and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
Crisis Resources
After years of advocacy and preparation, 988 is now available nationwide as the new number to contact for mental health, substance use, and suicide crises—a simple, easy-to-remember way for people to get help. This new number will allow people to quickly connect with support during a crisis, 24/7, no matter where they live.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
How to Observe
While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength to address a difficult topic. The truth is, we can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide, because just one conversation can change a life.
Spread the message
It is extremely important to spread awareness, take time to reach out to those in need, and help people understand the severity of this cause. Hand out Suicide Prevention pins, start a campaign, and share stories of hope on social media.
Volunteer at a crisis center
Provide support by volunteering at a crisis center in your area. Although this is something that can be done year-round, Suicide Prevention Month is the perfect time to get started. Check out the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, an organization that offers free and confidential emotional support 24/7 to those in crisis or emotional distress.
Record a supportive video
This is an easy option that doesn’t cost money or time, so anyone can do it. Simply record a 15-30 second video promising your friends to listen to anything they need to say. Then, use the hashtags #suicideispreventable #800273TALK #LETITOUT.
Share Key Fast Facts
These are only a few of the reasons why it’s important to take part in promoting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Please use these facts and others to encourage discussions with your community through social media or other forms of outreach.
Individual Impact:
- 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
- Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
- The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999.
- 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
- While nearly half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.
Community Impact:
- Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
- 4.9% of all adults
- 11.3% of young adults aged 18-25
- 18.8% of high school students
- 45% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students
- The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white communities.
- Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
- Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.
Data from CDC, NIMH and other select sources.
History
September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, September has been a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services.
5 No-Nonsense tips to help someone in Crisis
1. Ask direct questions
Even though it's hard, ask a person directly if they’re thinking about suicide.
2. Listen to their answers
People with suicidal thoughts often feel alone, so be sure to let them know that you care deeply about what they have to say.
3. Do a safety check
If you're concerned for their well-being, try removing anything they could use to harm themselves, such as alcohol, drugs, medications, weapons, and even access to a car.
4. Don't keep this a secret
Let them know you’ll help come up with a plan that involves telling a professional who can utilize the many services and resources available to help.
5. Ensure they seek professional help
Unless you work in the mental health industry, it's important to suggest they seek additional help from other people, such as a doctor, counselor, psychologist, or social worker.
Sources: https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month
https://www.kazoohr.com/resources/library/inclusive-workplace-calendar
https://nationaltoday.com/national-suicide-prevention-month/
|
