September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention, remember those lost to suicide, and share hope. It also recognizes the people, families, and communities that have been impacted by suicide.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10-14-year-olds in the U.S., the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year-olds and the 12th leading cause of death overall. Suicidal thoughts may be common, but they should not be considered normal.
Important dates this month include:
- #988Day, Sept. 8: a national initiative to raise awareness of the 988 crisis hotline.
- World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10
- Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 8-14
Local Events:
- Out of the Darkness Walk, Sept. 14 @ 8:00am – Hermann Park, Belle Fourche, SD
- Suicide Awareness Walk with SBHS Youth Leadership, Sept. 15 @ 12:00pm – Sturgis Brown High School parking lot
Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are promoting resources this month to help people learn more about suicide prevention, advocate for better health care, and share the message that no one is alone.
Their resources include social media toolkits, which encourage people to download photos and start conversations on social media using these hashtags:
- #SuicidePreventionMonth
- #SPM24
- #NSSP
- #BeThe1To
- #988Day
- #SuicidePrevention
Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. According to NAMI, 4.8% of U.S. adults experience serious thoughts of suicide. The highest rates of suicide among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, followed by non-Hispanic white people.
Members of the LGBTQ community are also especially vulnerable: NAMI reports that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth, and transgender adults are nearly nine times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Suicide is also the leading cause of death for people in local jails.
Warning signs for suicide, according to NAMI, include:
- Increased alcohol and drug use
- Aggressive behavior
- Withdrawal from friends, family and community
- Dramatic mood swings
- Impulsive or reckless behavior
Advocacy doesn’t have to involve public campaigns or political action. You can help by simply starting a conversation with your own family and friends. If you are concerned about a loved one, ask them directly if they have ever experienced suicidal thoughts. If they say yes, stay calm and offer support. Visit NAMI’s website and review their recommendations on how to support someone going through a crisis.
Most of all, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to spread NAMI’s message that suicide is a symptom, and like all symptoms, is treatable. Therapy, medications, and proper support systems can help people manage and reduce symptoms. If you are interested in therapy, we are here to help. Give us a call at 605-580-7358.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you can always call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
This month, remember that you are not alone, and there is always hope.