September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Although mental health and suicide prevention are important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible.
HOW CAN WE ALL PREVENT SUICIDE?
ASK
Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
BE THERE
Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
KEEP THEM SAFE
Studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline.
HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED
Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
FOLLOW UP
Brief, low-cost intervention, and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- 78% of all people who die by suicide are male.
- Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
- The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999.
- 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
- While nearly half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% experienced symptoms.
- Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group: 4.8% of all adults, 11.8% of young adults aged 18-25, 18.8% of high school students, 46.8% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. You can also chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
