Suicide Prevention Month

The month of September is recognized nationally as a time to be aware of a growing epidemic in this country - suicide. It is a frightening but very true reality that the number of suicides is only increasing each month. Often times, there are warning signs when a person you know or love is struggling. While some signs may be easier to spot than others, it is always important to make sure the people around you are okay. Not only should you be aware of how other people in your life are doing, but it is vital that you make sure your own mental state is in a good place as well.

It is important to know if you or someone you know are struggling, and there are many resources out there to help. There are counselors and hotlines (the Suicide Prevention Hotline phone number is 1-800-273-8255) that can be very useful to someone who may have trouble opening up about personal issues to people they know. Sometimes, it's easier to speak to a stranger about life struggles, and that is okay. However, if you are more comfortable with speaking to someone you know, you should always reach out. Whether you decide to speak to a teacher, friend, or parent, someone will listen and potentially be a huge help to you.

It can always be helpful for you to be the person that reaches out and helps someone who is struggling. Help can come in many different forms, whether that may be as simple as a smile, or a phone call checking up, or possibly even a conversation catching up with someone you have noticed has been down lately. Even if you may feel you are overreacting when seeing a friend not acting like himself or herself, it is better to be safe and just check up on them. It is important to note that you never fully know what is going on in someone’s life, so always be sure to do your part in being a positive aspect of someone’s life, not the reason they are hurting.

So, smile at those that seem to be having a rough day,not only may you make their day a little brighter, you could be saving a life.