Suicide Prevention

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Throughout this month, mental health advocates, suicide prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members join together to promote suicide awareness and prevention.

Relationships with suicide vary from individual to individual and can range from suicidal ideation (which refers to thoughts about dying or taking one’s own life) to attempts and completion of the act.

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. The rate of suicide is highest in middle-aged white males. Women are more likely to feel symptoms of depression and have suicidal thoughts. However, women are more likely to reach out for help. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men died as a result of suicide 3.63 times more often than women in 2019.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, suicide rates have increased. Quarantine has affected many of us negatively. Due to the suddenness of the pandemic, there were not enough mental health resources to help people. Throughout the quarantine, organizations found ways to communicate with those who needed help. New inventive resources such as Zoom Support Groups and virtual therapy sessions have helped prevent suicide and restore mental health.

If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, there are ways to help. The number for the national suicide prevention lifeline is (800) 273-8255. There are also other hotlines that are more specific, such as a hotline for LGBQT+: (866) 488-7386. CPHS also has resources to help; talk to a guidance counselor, teacher, coach, or trusted adult.

There are many ways to help prevent suicide such as talking to a loved one, therapy, meditating, and taking care of your health—both mental and physical. If you take the first step, there will be someone to help you continue.

Sources: Suicide statistics