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September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss (often called “suicide loss survivors”) are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with a specific focus, Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 9-15.

There is no single cause of suicide. Most often it happens when stressors exceed the coping capabilities of someone already suffering from a mental health condition. They experience hopelessness and despair and conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuses can increase the potential risk of suicide.

Look for changes in your friend’s or family member’s behaviors. Changes like an increase in their use of drugs or alcohol.

Are they looking up ways to end their lives online? Withdrawing from family and friends? Sleeping too much or too little? Giving away their prized possessions?

All of these things can be signals that something is not right and may need help.

Statistics, especially for our youth, are frightening.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for our middle and high school students, aged 12-18, nationwide. More than 17 percent of students seriously considered suicide during the past 12 months and 7.4 percent attempted suicide during the last 12 months.

Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs.

There are resources out there if you are thinking about suicide or you’re concerned for someone else’s safety, like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, open 24-hours at 800-273-TALK (8255), The Trevor Project for LGBT youth at 866-488-7386 and even a Crisis Text Line where you can send a text 741-741 and receive a text from a trained crisis counselor within minutes.

 

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