September is National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. With Suicide as a leading cause of death in the United States and with more than one in five adults living with mental illness, it has become a national public health crisis. As a community, we must come together and acknowledge that mental health is a disease impacting millions of Americans from all walks of life. There are no economic or racial barriers.
Without attaching judgement or stigma, we must work collaboratively to address this public health problem by increasing awareness and education in an effort to prevent suicides. Everyone can play a role in saving lives.
If you are wondering how you can help, educate yourself and others about suicide prevention by becoming familiar with risk factors and possible warning signs. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder are common factors but not inclusive of a long list of instigators. Substance abuse, traumatic events , medical conditions and chronic pain as well as major life changes like loss of a loved one or a job can lead to feelings of hopelessness.
Too many lives are lost to suicide due to shame, embarrassment or a fear of asking for help. While there has been some progress in diminishing the stigma often associated with mental illness, we need to do much better! Noone should struggle alone. There are many resources in the community. Reach out to someone you know who is struggling and let them know that they are NOT alone. Support a person who is suffering and be part of a collective community effort to PREVENT SUICIDE. Educate yourself by learning the warning signs of suicide and be available to listen and share resources available to help those in crisis. Donate money, time or both to organizations like the National Association for the Mentally Ill ( NAMI ) or volunteer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by becoming a field advocate or ambassador.
Today, pledge to be part of the solution to suicide prevention by taking some action to end this public health crisis. Finally, if you know someone experiencing suicidal thoughts or having a mental health crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 confidential help.
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