A Tribute To National Suicide Prevention Month - Joshua York Legacy Foundation

A Tribute To National Suicide Prevention Month

Sep 1, 2022 | Suicide Prevention | 0 comments

Suicide Prevention Month

September is national suicide prevention month, and it’s a time to reflect on the importance of mental health. Suicide is a major cause of death that affects all corners of the world, and we must do our best to spread awareness.

Why Do People Die By Suicide?

A sad woman comforting herself

Suicide is an issue that has affected people of all ages, genders, and cultures for centuries. Though the reasons why someone dies by suicide are varied and complex, some common factors can contribute to this. These include pressure from family members, mental illness, substance abuse, relationship problems, financial difficulties, and emotional pain.

What Are The Warning Signs Of Suicide?

Middle-aged woman psychologyst therapy with client at the office sitting fulfilling form while girl looking down upset holding tissue thinking about relationship problems

Below, we list some of the most common suicide warning signs:

  • Talking about wanting to die or hurt oneself
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing alcohol or drug abuse
  • Withdrawing from friends and activities
  • Abnormal mood swings
  • Giving away prized possessions.

If you notice any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, you must reach out for help.

How To Help

Reaffirming texts

There are many things we can do to prevent suicide:

Spread Awareness

One of the most important things we can do is spread awareness about the issue. By talking about suicide, we can help break down the stigma surrounding it.

Provide Support

We can also provide support for those who are struggling. If you know someone going through a tough time, reach out and let them know that you are there for them. You could be the difference between life and death.

Listening Without Judgment

It’s so important to listen without judgment. Sometimes, people just need someone to talk to. By being a good listener, you could help save a life.

Encourage Professional Help

If you are worried about someone, encourage them to seek professional help. This is an essential step in getting the help they need.

Follow Up

Once someone has sought professional help, it’s essential to follow up with them and see how they are doing. This will show them that you care and that you really want to help.

Educate Yourself And Others

One of the best things you can do is educate yourself and others about suicide. The more we know, the better equipped we are to prevent it.

These are just a few of the many things we can do to help ward off the risk of suicide.

More About Suicide Prevention Month

A hand holding a red card with the word SUICIDE PREVENTION written on it

Suicide prevention month is a time to come together and raise awareness about this crucial issue that affects the general population. It is also a time to remember those we have lost and support those struggling.

National suicide prevention month allows us to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all and send a clear, hopeful message that help is available. By talking about suicide, we can help break down the stigma surrounding it and save lives. So let’s all do our part in preventing suicide by spreading awareness this September!

How Do We Further Spread Suicide Awareness Around The World?

In a reassuring gesture, the mature adult grandmother lays her hand gently on her teen grandson's shoulder.

Holding More Seminars

We could hold more seminars to discuss suicide and how to prevent it. Having school seminars can help young adults understand the warning signs and how to get help.

Making More Short Films And Documentaries

We could make easy-to-understand films and documentaries on suicide prevention.

Setting Up More Support Groups

We could also create more support groups for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. These groups can provide a safe space for people to talk about their feelings and get the support they need.

Creating Social Media Campaigns

Create social media campaigns to reach out to more people and raise awareness of suicide and mental health.

Talking About It More

Talking about an issue is never too much. We can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide because just one conversation can change a life and reduce suicidal ideation.

Providing More Training

We could provide more training for professionals who work with people at risk of suicide. This training could help them to identify the warning signs early and know how to provide support.

Making Mental Health A Priority

We need to make mental health a priority in our society. This means destigmatizing mental illness and ensuring people access quality mental healthcare.

Suicide Crisis Lifeline

Suicide Crisis Lifeline

In addition to spreading awareness, we can also provide support for those who are struggling.

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) and is currently active across the United States. These centers are supported by local and state sources and the Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

It offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicide, substance use, and/mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. Just call, text, or chat up 988.

Conclusion

Cropped shot of two young women embracing each other at home

Mental health organizations around the country recognize National suicide prevention week and suicide prevention awareness month in September each year. However, working together to develop our collective understanding and awareness of suicide to prevent it is something we need to do every day. Create awareness every day and let your voice be the loudest on September 10 – World suicide prevention day.

Also, remember, you are not alone. We are all in this together. Let’s make suicide prevention month a time to come together and make a difference.

Check Out These Related Posts

0 Comments

0 Comments

Leave a Reply