Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Demeatraus Minter
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and CHN wants to take this time to bring special attention and awareness to a difficult topic. A stigmatized topic that allows people to suffer in silence and die too soon. MyCHN understands that paying attention to our mental health is part of healthcare.
Suicide is an epidemic and affects hundreds of people every year. Hundreds of families, friends, co-workers, and relatives lose loved ones to suicide. The victims of suicide might have struggled with suicidal thoughts for years, months or days. The warning signs were overlooked, unknown or no one checked on them. It is not always apparent that someone is having suicidal thoughts but knowing the warning signs can be an indicator that they are in trouble and need a helping hand.
What is the Point of Suicide Prevention Month?
According to the Federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is among the top nine causes of death in the United States for people ages 10-64 and is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34. Suicide affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities.
The goal of focusing on Suicide Prevention is to bring awareness to the topic and understanding of the warning signs when someone needs help. Suicide can be prevented when people are educated on where to go and what to do to seek professional help.
This month, various mental health organizations are shedding light on this topic, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and National Alliance on Mental Illness. This is a great resource for anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide and seeking help.
Shining light on this ongoing epidemic is an opportunity to increase awareness. Let’s look at how much it affects our culture and those around us.
Suicide Facts
- The suicide rate between 2000 to 2018 increased by 30% and slightly decreased in 2019 and 2020.
- In 2020, 45,979 deaths by suicide were recorded; that is about 1 death every 11 minutes.
- For every suicide, more people attempt suicide and think about it.
- 2020 Suicide Facts: 12.2 million adults had serious thoughts about committing suicide, 3.2 million made a plan, and 1.2 million attempted suicide
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 10 to 14-year-olds and the 3rd leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds.
- The suicide rate for veterans is 1.5 times higher than the general population.
- 79% of people who die by suicide are men.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death among those in local jails
You are
NOT
Alone
“You are never alone” is a big statement, and it’s true. It’s easy to feel like you’re in an overwhelming situation and that there is no one around to understand. But it truly isn’t that way; you are never alone in your situation.
Checking in on friends and family is a way to show support. You never know what someone is going through, and your call or text can really be an encouragement to them. There have been various testimonials from people contemplating suicide reporting a random call or a text stopped them from committing suicide. Calling, texting, or having a conversation with your loved ones and friends just to see how they are doing goes a long way, whether you know it or not.
This month, challenge yourself to check up on those around you and show them they are not alone.
There is Help
We want you to know that there is help. You can be the one that offers support or the one getting help; There are resources for both, which is essential to know. There are programs for teachers, parents, guardians, and friends to take that will teach how to recognize the early signs that someone around them might be at risk. In addition, there is professional help available from therapists and other professionals for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or other mental health conditions.
Speaking to someone about your feelings and thoughts is always the first step. You might not feel comfortable speaking to someone you already know, or you might not be comfortable with seeing someone physically and prefer a virtual service. MyCHN has professional therapists available (virtually or in person) for patients to speak with seven days a week. So, no matter how you prefer this service, MyCHN is available to you.
Lastly, there are programs that support families and friends who know someone who has passed away from suicide. Grief counseling gives the opportunity to speak about how you feel and go through the grieving process with the help of a licensed professional. This support group, in addition to many others, is available here at Community Health Network. Help goes in both ways, and if you have been affected by a crisis in your life, speaking to someone and getting help is also vital. There is help for everyone, and knowing it is the first step.
Behaviors to Look Out For
The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide:
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
- Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
- Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
- Talking or thinking about death often
- Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family; Putting affairs in order, making a will
If you suspect someone is contemplating or at risk of committing suicide. Please do not hesitate to use the available resources.
Suicide Prevention
Resources
The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has a new number that can be called when a crisis happens, 988, and is available 24/7. If you prefer to text, you can text TALK to 741741. Whether you’re the one that needs the encouragement or you know someone who does, you can call, and someone will always answer. This is a great step in the right direction for suicide prevention.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has community programs you can participate in as someone looking for help or providing support. You can visit their website by clicking on the link and looking for a program that best fits you. Also, MyCHN is here to provide behavioral health resources whenever you need them. It’s as simple as calling or visiting our website to schedule an appointment.
Take advantage of these resources, check up on those around you, and ensure they get the help they need. This week and this month, use the time to shed light on suicide prevention and join the fight against suicide.
Resources
American Counseling Association: Suicide Awareness and Prevention
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Community Programs
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM)
World Health Organization: Suicide
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Resources for Suicide Prevention
