September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the United States. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, promoting mental health, and supporting suicide prevention efforts. The goal of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is to increase public understanding and encourage proactive steps to prevent suicide and support those affected. Worldwide, suicide is one of the leading causes of death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it accounts for over 700,000 deaths each year. Suicide awareness is crucial because it helps to prevent suicide by reducing stigma, increasing understanding, and providing support. By raising awareness, people become more attuned to the signs of distress and mental health struggles, which can lead to early intervention and support for those in need. It also fosters open conversations, encouraging individuals to seek help and better support each other. Overall, increased awareness can contribute to a more supportive environment and potentially save lives.

This month is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, promoting mental health, and supporting suicide prevention efforts. Activities during this month typically include:

Educational Campaigns: Providing information on the warning signs of suicide, risk factors, and available resources for help.

Community Events: Hosting events such as walks, seminars, and workshops to engage the community in suicide prevention efforts.

Support Initiatives: Promoting support services for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, including hotlines, counseling services, and support groups.

Advocacy: Encouraging conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and foster an environment where individuals feel safe seeking help.

In the United States, suicide is a leading cause of death, ranking among the top ten causes overall. In 2021, there were approximately 49,500 deaths by suicide. Men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women. Men account for approximately 79% of all suicides. Suicide rates are higher among older adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, but it also affects younger populations, with notable rates among adolescents and young adults. Individuals with mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse disorders, are at higher risk for suicide. LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. This statistic underscores the heightened vulnerability of LGBTQ+ youth to mental health challenges and suicidal behaviors. Transgender and Nonbinary Youth face even higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. For example, a study by The Trevor Project in 2023 reported that over 50% of transgender and nonbinary youth had seriously considered suicide in the past year. Indigenous populations, including American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN), have some of the highest suicide rates in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate for AI/AN people was 28.1 per 100,000 people in 2021, significantly higher than the national average of 14.0 per 100,000. Suicide is a leading cause of death among Asian American youth aged 15-24. For Asian American young adults (ages 15-24), suicide was the second leading cause of death in 2021, reflecting serious mental health concerns within this age group. Suicide rates among Black/African American youth have been rising in recent years. The suicide rate for Black youth aged 10-24 increased by 50% between 2010 and 2019, and suicide is the third leading cause of death for Black youth ages 15-19. Factors contributing to suicide risk among Black/African American populations include exposure to violence, systemic racism, socioeconomic disparities, lack of access to mental health services, and stigma around mental health issues. Additionally, Black men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems due to cultural expectations around masculinity and strength. Understanding these demographics helps tailor prevention strategies and support services to the needs of different groups.

Supporting someone at risk of suicide requires sensitivity, empathy, and practical steps:

Listen Actively: Offer a non-judgmental, empathetic ear. Let them express their feelings without interruption or immediate solutions.

Ask Directly: If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to ask directly about suicidal thoughts. Questions like, “Are you thinking about harming yourself?” can open a crucial dialogue.

Encourage Professional Help: Support them in seeking help from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors. Offer to assist with finding resources or making appointments.

Stay Connected: Maintain regular contact to show ongoing support. Isolation can worsen suicidal thoughts, so be present and available.

Create a Safety Plan: Help them develop a safety plan that includes coping strategies, emergency contacts, and steps to take if they feel overwhelmed.

Remove Means: If possible, help remove or secure any means they might use to harm themselves, such as firearms or medications.

Educate Yourself: Learn about mental health and suicide prevention to better understand what they’re experiencing and how to support them effectively.

Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone in crisis can be emotionally taxing. Ensure you also seek support and care for your own well-being.

If the situation is urgent, contact emergency services or take them to the nearest emergency room.

Several suicide hotlines provide immediate support to those in crisis:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: This is the primary national hotline in the U.S. for mental health crises and suicide prevention. Call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Previously reached through 1-800-273-TALK (8255), this line is now integrated into the 988 Lifeline but remains operational as a resource.

Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor. This service is available 24/7.

Veterans Crisis Line: For veterans, service members, and their families, call or text 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or chat online at Veterans Crisis Line.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: This provides confidential support for individuals facing mental health or substance use issues. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

These services offer confidential and immediate assistance for those in need.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone and often signal underlying mental health issues that need attention. It’s crucial for those experiencing such thoughts to seek professional help and support. Talking to a mental health professional can provide guidance, support, and potential treatment options to address and manage these thoughts effectively. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, it’s important to reach out to emergency services or a crisis hotline right away.

For those of you who are looking to become an advocate for a loved one or just being a supportive member of the community, thank you for being a positive voice in this world.  Being an advocate for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts involves a combination of support, education, and action. Here are some steps you can take:

Educate Yourself: Learn about mental health issues, warning signs of suicidal thoughts, and available resources. Understanding these can help you provide better support.

Listen and Offer Support: Be a compassionate listener. Encourage open dialogue and show that you care without judgment. Sometimes just being there can make a significant difference.

Promote Mental Health Awareness: Advocate for mental health education in your community. Support initiatives that aim to reduce stigma and increase awareness about mental health issues.

Share Resources: Provide information about mental health services, hotlines, and crisis intervention resources. Ensure that people know where to turn for help.

Encourage Professional Help: Support individuals in seeking professional help when needed. Offer to help them find a mental health professional or accompany them to appointments if they need support.

Participate in or Organize Events: Engage in or organize community events that focus on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and support networks.

Advocate for Policy Changes: Support and advocate for policies that improve mental health care access, funding, and support services.

Take Care of Yourself: Advocating for others can be emotionally demanding. Ensure you’re also taking care of your own mental health and seeking support when needed.

By combining these efforts, you can contribute to a supportive environment for those experiencing suicidal thoughts and work towards broader systemic changes.

This is a topic very near and dear to my heart as I myself am a 10-year suicide survivor.  I have had to struggle with untreated mental health conditions my whole life and am constantly learning more about myself and how to be kinder to myself. Self-care can be so daunting and intimidating, but it is an easier concept to handle when it is done one day at a time. Doing small things for myself like going on hikes, taking time to read, making sure I am eating right and sleeping enough have been helpful for me, but finding what is right for you is so important and it is trial and error. Learning to love myself and give myself grace has been hard, as I am my own harshest critic. Learning to ask for help when I am struggling has been even harder. I find the most important thing to remind myself when I am experiencing a period of depression is that what I am feeling is temporary. I had no idea that I had a very serious untreated mental health disorder and was lost on why the treatments I was trying were not working. Remember that the world is a better place with you in it and you have people that love you. It is okay to feel sad sometimes, but it is up to you to ask for help when it is necessary, you do not have to struggle alone.