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.
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.
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
- Need more information, referrals or support? Contact the NAMI HelpLine.
Crisis Resources:
- If you or someone you know are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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 text NAMI to 741-741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling.
