Shining a Light on Suicide Awareness

Suicide is a major mental health concern that devastates lives and causes unimaginable pain. Its impact devastates individuals, families, and communities. Suicide rates have been rising globally, yet it is a complex and multifaceted issue. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, honored each September, holds significant importance in bringing attention to this public health concern. 

The current state of suicide

According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year, making it the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 29 years old. According to the most recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a 37% increase in suicide rates over the past two decades in the United States. And certain populations are at a higher risk according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide are evident in 45% of LGBTQ youth. Individuals in the LGBTQ community, as well as veterans and members of Indigenous communities face unique challenges that contribute to their increased vulnerability to suicide.

Some key facts on suicide from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) include:

• 79% of people who die by suicide are male, even though more women than men attempt suicide.
• Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. 
• Nearly 50% of people who die by suicide had previously been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Yet, research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

The importance of suicide prevention awareness

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month plays a vital role in challenging the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health. By fostering open conversations and promoting awareness, mental health professionals can create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help. Awareness initiatives also aim to educate the public to more easily recognize warning signs and encourage intervention.

Promoting awareness and involvement

In the realm of mental and public health, suicide stands as a formidable adversary that demands our immediate attention. Suicide is a topic that many people do not feel comfortable addressing, even if they sense someone may be struggling. Here are five ways you can promote awareness and engage in honest and public conversations about suicide:

1. Utilize social media: Social media platforms can serve as powerful tools to promote Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Share informative content, infographics, and resources, and encourage others to engage and spread awareness within their own networks. In addition, promoting resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can help others become aware of where they can turn if they are in need of help. 
2. Organize webinars and workshops: Hosting webinars and workshops that focus on suicide prevention can be an effective way to reach a broader audience. Collaborate with other mental health experts, community leaders, and organizations to talk about risk factors, protective factors, and strategies for support. 
3. Collaborate with schools and universities: Engaging educational institutions in awareness campaigns can help get the word out to a considerable number of young people. Mental health professionals can conduct presentations, workshops, and training sessions for students, teachers, and staff to equip them with knowledge and resources for early intervention. 
4. Partner with local community centers: Community centers serve as hubs for social interaction and support. Mental health professionals can collaborate with these centers to organize events, support groups, and counseling services during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 
5. Share personal stories: Sharing individual experiences and stories of recovery can be a powerful way to create empathy and understanding. Mental health professionals can encourage clients or former clients to share their journeys, providing hope and inspiration to others who may be struggling.

Conclusion

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of addressing suicide as a public health issue. It is essential to raise awareness, promote understanding, and facilitate early intervention. By collaborating with communities, schools, and other organizations, we can collectively work toward reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and providing support to those in need. 

More resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 

The Jason Foundation 

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)