World Suicide Prevention Day
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide can be a hard thing to talk about, but that is why having a healthy discussion around this topic is that much more important. Talking about suicide lessens its stigma and can even save lives.
If you or someone you know has had thoughts about suicide, know that
you are not alone.
According to the CDC, in 2022, about 13.2 million adults had thoughts regarding suicide. Not only do suicidal thoughts affect adults, but they affect people of all ages.
In 2022, suicide was responsible for about 1 death every 11 minutes. One of the best ways to prevent death from suicide is to become familiar with its warning signs and get help immediately.
Warning signs of suicide to look out for in your friends or yourself include:
Talking about the desire to die
Feelings of complete hopelessness
Isolating oneself from other people
Loss of interest and joy in everything
Excessive use of drugs or alcohol
Giving away items or saying goodbyes
Researching ideas of ways to die
You have a role to play in suicide prevention. If you see these signs in the people around you, or in yourself, reach out for help as soon as possible. Here are some resources and next steps you can take to prevent suicide:
Text or call the suicide hotline number: 988
Check out the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
Get questions answered, hear stories, and get connected with many more resources on the It’s OK to Say Suicide website
Make a prevention plan and find prevention programs at the Suicide Prevention Research Center
Get connected with a local therapist
Confide in trusted family members or friends
If you have had thoughts of suicide, there are always resources for you, like the ones above. You are loved. You are cared for. People want to help you. Below are 7 lessons learned from someone who has lived through the process of losing a good friend.
The recovery process takes a community
Grieving can be very complex
Suicide is very complicated
Suicide is never the answer
Mental illness is just as serious as physical illnesses
Breaking the suicide stigma means speaking up about it
Our own experience and support from peers is essential
To read deeper into these lessons, visit the article on the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Suicide is real and cannot be ignored. Learning about the signs of suicide and prevention resources can save someone’s life, whether that be your own or someone you love.
If you have lost a loved one to suicide, know that it is okay to take time to grieve.
It is not your fault.
Give yourself time to process, get counseling if you need it, spend time in community, and allow those around you to love you and take care of you.