September is Suicide Prevention Month
By Antoinette Peterson
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Many organizations use this time to raise awareness, educate, and discuss this pressing crisis facing people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The month also serves as a time to shift public perception around suicide and provide support to the loved ones of those who have died by suicide, and those who may be affected by suicidal ideation. In this blog post, we will learn more about how suicide impacts individuals across the nation, how to identity the signs of a mental illness, and how to support those who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
In the U.S., suicide is a growing public health crisis. It is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, and the twelfth leading cause of death overall. Suicide often occurs more frequently in men, with 79% of all people who die by suicide being male. Experiencing a mental health condition may predispose one to having suicidal thoughts, which is why it is so important to recognize the signs of a mental illness. Forty-six percent of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition. However, research suggests that 90% of those who die by suicide may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.
How to Recognize the Signs of Mental Illness
Knowing the signs of mental illness isn’t always simple. Different mental health conditions have their own symptoms, but there are a few that are particularly common, including:
- Inability to carry out everyday tasks
- Avoiding social activities
- Changes in appetite (lack of, or increased)
- Extreme mood changes
- Excessive fear or worry
- Strong feelings of anger or irritability
- Overuse of substances such as alcohol or drugs
Whether you have identified signs in someone you love, or they have mentioned to you that they are struggling, starting a conversation can help save a life. Studies show people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way. If someone reveals to you that they have been experiencing thoughts of suicide, be sure to let them know you are listening. Encourage them to talk about what they are going through and how they are coping. Ensure that you do not make them feel judged or guilty for having these thoughts– suggest that they could benefit from professional support if they tell you directly that they have been thinking of suicide.
Connecting a Loved One with Support
While conversations around suicide can be hard, it is a great opportunity to help someone connect with a licensed professional to get the support they need. Sometimes just making that first contact with a therapist is the hardest part– offer to help your friend by looking into local providers or even driving them to their first appointment. If someone is concerned about others finding out they are getting help, reassure them that you will be as discreet as possible– and that there is nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes, circumstances may require that you enlist the help of others. In that case, encourage them to be part of the conversation.
Unfortunately, in some circumstances, one may not want help. In the event that the individual is not in immediate danger and/or is not already self-harming, do not push too hard. Be sure that your loved one knows that you are there if they want to talk. You can also refer them to a suicide and crisis lifeline, which could help them understand what it might look like to work with a doctor or therapist.
Stay tuned throughout the month of September as we share more resources around suicide prevention.
