September is a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention. Suicide is a significant public health concern and among the leading causes of death in the United States (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022).
Suicide awareness is an essential aspect of mental health education and advocacy. Individuals may be at risk of or affected by suicide. As a community, we can foster:
Knowing the warning signs of suicide can save a life. According to the research (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022), there are three areas to watch for warning signs: how a person is feeling, how they are talking, and changes in behavior.
Suicide prevention is a community effort. Educating ourselves on mental health issues can create a supportive environment that encourages open communication between community members.
Talking to your child about suicide can be a challenging and sensitive conversation. It’s essential to approach the topic with empathy, patience, and an open mind. Research-based (Teens and Suicide: What Parents Should Know, 2020) strategies to use if you are concerned that your child is showing warning signs of suicide:
If you need help for yourself or are concerned about someone you know, call or text the number below:
Crisis/Suicide Hotline call or text 988, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Written by: Sheri
References
National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Warning Signs of Suicide. Www.nimh.nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide
Teens and suicide: What parents should know. (2020, February 7). American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. https://afsp.org/teens-and-suicide-what-parents-should-know/
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