Suicide Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Why does this matter? Because according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org), it is the 2nd leading cause of death in 10-14 year olds and 3rd leading cause of death in 15-24 year olds. In 2020, there were 45,979 completed suicides and 1.20M suicide attempts. On average, there are 130 suicides per day. That is 130 people a day who do not feel like they have a way out of whatever struggle they are going through. It is important to be aware of the warning signs, risk factors and how to help a friend who may be struggling.
Warning signs:
Increased substance use (drug or alcohol)
Increased aggressive behavior
Withdrawing from loved ones
Impulsive behavior
Preparatory behavior: collecting and saving pills or buying a weapon
Giving away important belongings
Finalizing their things; organizing paperwork or paying off debt
Saying goodbye to loved ones
Sudden shift in mood; acting happy or hopeful that things are going to change
Risk Factors:
Family history of suicide
Substance use
Access to firearms
Serious or chronic medical illness
Gender (more women attempt suicide, but more men die by suicide)
History of trauma or abuse
Prolonged stress
Recent tragedy or loss
How to help:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking someone if they are planning to kill themselves does not increase the likelihood that they would.
Safety plan; remove guns, knives or stockpiled pills. Secure any means that the individual as reported as a way they would kill themselves.
Express concern and support
Don’t argue
Don’t debate if suicide is right or wrong
If you are nervous, try not to fidget
Be patient, empathetic and caring
*These warning signs, risk factors and how to help come from the National Association of Mental Health (NAMI.org).
In 2019, The Federal Communications Commission Staff proposed utilizing 988 as an emergency number for people in crisis to connect them to suicide prevention and crisis counselors (fcc.gov). On July 16, 2022, this proposal came into fruition. This is another way to find support in times of crisis. If you or a loved one find yourself struggling with your mental health, I encourage you to seek a therapist. Utilize 988. Asking for help is hard, being bold and asking a friend if they need help can also be hard, but it can save a life.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2022, June 14). Suicide statistics. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/
Risk of suicide. NAMI. (2022, August). Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Risk-of-Suicide
