September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September 09, 2022
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it is an annual campaign to increase understanding and awareness of suicide, its warning signs, and how to get help.
Suicide is a major public health problem in the United States. Each year, suicide kills more people than homicide. It is especially high among certain groups, such as Veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with mental health conditions.
There are many ways to get involved in the month of September. You can learn the warning signs of suicide, how to talk to someone who may be considering it, and where to find prevention resources. You can also donate to organizations that provide suicide prevention services or participate in fundraisers and awareness.
Why is prevention important?
Preventing suicide is crucial because it is a major public health problem in the United States. It can also have lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities.
Death by suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-34. Even worse, by the year 2030, the total number of Veteran suicides will be 23x higher than the number of post-9/11 combat deaths.
Suicide is a preventable death, and anyone can play a role in preventing it. By learning the warning signs of suicide and how to talk to someone who may be considering suicide, you can make a difference in someone’s life.
Warning signs of suicide
To join the effort in suicide prevention, it’s critical to learn the warning signs first to prevent suicides:
- Dramatic mood swings
- Social withdrawal
- Aggressive behavior
- Impulsive or reckless behavior
- Increased drug or alcohol use
If you witness the following behaviors, we strongly recommend calling a health care provider or emergency services:
- Tying up loose ends, organizing papers, or paying off debts
- Giving away possessions
- Collecting/saving prescription pills or buying a weapon
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
If you see any of these warning signs, it’s important to talk to the person about your concerns. Say something like, “I’ve been worried about you lately” or “I’m worried that you’re not yourself.” If the person denied being in danger of harming themselves, don’t leave them alone. Stay with them and get help from a mental health professional or someone else you trust.
How to get help
If you are considering suicide, please get help. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or text “HOME” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. These services are free and confidential.
If you are a veteran or know of a veteran who is having thoughts of suicide, we recommend seeking help immediately. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans or their loved ones in crisis. You also do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care to connect with this resource. Just dial (988) then Press 1 or chat online.
How to support someone considering suicide
If someone you know is going through a tough time, there are many ways you can support them. You can offer your time and attention, lend a listening ear, give words of encouragement, send a handwritten note, offer practical help like childcare or transportation, or make a referral to mental health services if needed. Just let them know that you care and are there for them.
You can also support someone by participating in Suicide Prevention Awareness Month activities with them or donating to organizations that provide suicide prevention services.
How you can help
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is an annual campaign that takes place in September to increase understanding and awareness of suicide and how to prevent it. There are many ways you can get involved and spread awareness during Suicide Prevention Month. You can learn the warning signs of suicide and how to talk to someone who may be considering suicide. You can also support legislation that promotes suicide prevention or donate to organizations that provide suicide prevention services. Just remember, anyone can play a role in suicide prevention awareness, you are not alone in this effort.