What is National Suicide Prevention Month?
By Anna Rowe, Stamp Out Stigma Team
Every year, millions of Americans experience or are directly affected by the tragedy of suicide.
As of 2022, the rate of suicide has returned to its peak, with over 49,000 people losing their life to suicide that year. That is 1 death by suicide every 11 minutes. Around 13.2 million people have contemplated suicide, with around 1.6 million attempting to end their life. In 2022, men died by suicide 3.85 times more than women. The statistics are alarming. However, they highlight the importance of promoting mental health resources, recovery tools, and ongoing efforts to put a stop to suicide. Preventing suicide is possible, but it takes families, friends, and communities to come together and speak up.
Beginning in September of 2008, millions nationwide initiate a month of observance of heightened awareness towards suicide prevention. National Suicide Prevention Month promotes conversations about mental health and substance use disorders, brings to light the resources available, and breaks the stigma that suffering needs to be silent.
Preventing suicide is possible, but it takes families, friends, and communities to come together and speak up.
If you are worried about a loved one, a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor, do not hesitate to reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8 or using the live online chat feature. There are ways to recognize that someone may be in distress. The individual may be exhibiting aggressive behavior or withdrawing from friends, family, and their community. They may be experiencing dramatic mood swings, or impulsive and reckless behavior.
Suicidal behaviors are a psychiatric emergency and seeking immediate help could help save a life and stop a tragedy. If someone starts to take any of the following steps towards suicide, call a healthcare provider or reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
- Collecting and saving pills or buying a weapon.
- Giving away possessions.
- Tying up loose ends, such as organizing personal papers or paying off debts.
- Saying goodbye to friends and family.
ABHW and Stamp Out Stigma are participating in the nationwide observance by providing a platform for survivors and those affected by mental health and substance use disorders. If you or someone you know would like to share a personal story, you can do so here.
Furthermore, Stamp Out Stigma launched a new webpage with tools and resources to help you better navigate the complexities of suicide and developed a National Suicide Prevention Month toolkit that you can use for your emails and social media posts. Gaining knowledge on how to support those in need and obtaining vital resources is an important step to preventing suicide.
Read more about National Suicide Prevention Month and how you can take actionable steps towards furthering education, providing support, and promoting healing for those who were impacted by suicide in our communities.
