September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a dedicated time to share resources and strength around a difficult subject. In an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic, this month is dedicated to raising awareness and connecting individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention. NAMI can help!
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
According to the CDC, each year more than 47,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind thousands of friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
In the US, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34, the 4th leading cause among people ages 35-44, and the 5th leading cause among people ages 45-54. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss (often called “suicide loss survivors”) are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.
Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in the world each year, which is roughly one death every 40 seconds.
46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition, but research suggests that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.
Read More on Suicide by Dr. Diane®
Informational Resources:
- Know the Warning Signs and Risk of Suicide
- Preventing Suicide as a Family Member or Caregiver
- Being Prepared for a Crisis
- What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide
- Need more information, referrals or support? Contact the NAMI HelpLine.
Crisis Resources:
If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone:
- Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S.
- You can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling.
- You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
