September is National Suicide Prevention Month
Before diving into this article, I would like to provide a sensitivity and trigger warning. This article talks about suicide. Please proceed with caution and STOP reading at any point that you may need to.
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September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Within the month itself, there is National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4 - September 10) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). The purpose of these events is to raise awareness for the treatment and prevention of suicide, educate those on the warning sides of suicide, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. This month fosters collaboration for those impacted by suicide, as well as the mental health community in providing educational resources.
Suicide does not discriminate and no one is immune to suicidal thoughts, behaviors, actions, or death by suicide. It’s a topic that not many people like to talk about, and it’s still taboo to discuss. Unfortunately, suicide has been around for a long time, is still happening at an alarming rate, and is considered an epidemic. In fact, some might argue that suicide is becoming more of a pandemic.
Here are some facts from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) website. This information was obtained in 2022 from a CDC report in 2020:
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States
45,979 Americans died by suicide in 2020
1.20M estimated suicide attempts took place in 2020
The suicide rate is highest among white, middle-aged males
On average, there are 130 deaths by suicide each day
Firearms are responsible for more deaths by suicide than any other method
The rate of suicide has increased each year since at least 2011
Talking and asking about suicide does not put the idea into someone’s head. Instead, it allows for an increase in the chances that someone will reach out for help. By not talking about suicide, it potentially sends the message to those experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges that they should be ashamed.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, help is available. There are a variety of options including brief interventions, therapy, and medication. Help is also available 24/7 from the below sources (this list is by no means exhaustive):
In 2022, 988 was designated as the nationwide mental health crisis and suicide prevention number. This does not replace the previous number (1-800-273-8255), but makes it easier to remember! Chat is also available on the Suicide Lifeline website
Crisis Text Line by texting "HOME" to 741741
There has been a lot of false information regarding what happens if you reach out to the above numbers. Crisis center workers’ number one priority is to keep those reaching out safe. Emergency services are not called unless you are someone else is in immediate danger and crisis workers cannot assist in de-escalating the situation and creating a safety plan. At that time, emergency services will be dispatched for a wellness check. The goal is to always empower those reaching out to create a safety plan and NOT have to call for a wellness check. Wellness checks are taken seriously and are there to prevent the loss of life.
Suicide can be uncomfortable to talk about, but so can the death of a loved one by suicide. Prevention, validation, and showing support to those struggling with suicidal thoughts and actions are key to decreasing the growing suicide rate. Reach out to a professional who is trained in assisting with creating a safety plan, implementing lethal means counseling, and crisis response planning. Longer-term therapies that have also shown effectiveness include Collaborative Management and Assessment of Suicidality (CAMS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT), and Prolonged Grief Therapy (PGT).
If you are interested in learning more about suicide and suicide prevention or want to take part in campaigning for this causing, check out the resources below:
Merchandise Collaboration with Vici Psychological Care and Rippin’ Twine Hockey Apparel
* The practice does not receive any royalties for any items purchased. With the exception of spreading awareness, there is no compensation for this collaboration.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
National Alliance on Mental Illness
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Author: Dr. Nikki Lacherza-Drew