September is known around the United States as National Suicide Prevention Month, an annual observance dedicated to promoting awareness and increasing action around suicide prevention through resource sharing and dialogue about suicide. National Suicide Prevention Week (September 10-16, 2023) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10, 2023) are also recognized annually as times to share resources and stories and promote suicide prevention awareness.
The latest statistics on suicide are alarming.
- Over half a million lives were lost to suicide over the past decade, according to the KFF. The adjusted suicide rate increased by 16% in the same period.
- 2022 had the highest number of deaths by suicide on record.
- One person dies by suicide every 12 minutes, according to the CDC.
Every life lost is one too many. We need to talk about mental health and suicide prevention daily and year-round. Still, Suicide Prevention Month is an excellent opportunity to intentionally set aside time to talk about this topic, which is becoming more normal to talk about but is still too often unaddressed.
Anyone can experience feelings and events that put them at risk for suicide. This year, we want to continue honest and hopeful conversations about suicide and suicide prevention. We also want to encourage you not to forget the healing power of human connection, simply asking people how they are. Trust your gut if you think someone’s having a hard time and reach out to them. A simple phone call, a note, a kind smile, asking someone genuinely how they’re doing, a handshake or a hug can go a long way towards helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer, that they should stay, and that the world is not better without them.
Contrary to the common belief that you shouldn’t talk about suicide because it plants the idea, we should ask directly about suicide. When we ask someone directly if they’re thinking about killing themselves, we are stepping into an open, honest dialogue about something really challenging. We know this is hard, but talking about suicide is a way to be there for someone. Talk Away the Dark shares a #RealConvoGuide about what to do if someone tells you they’re thinking about suicide, but here’s the TL;DR:
1. Ask the person if they’re considering killing themselves.
2. Be there to listen.
3. Validate their feelings.
4. Remind them that we need them here and they’re not alone.
5. Encourage them to get help, whether that be a therapist or a crisis lifeline like our 24/7 Crisis Line (913-268-0156) or 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
6. Don’t let the call drop. Follow-up to see if they got help and how they are doing.
Social support and connection are key to reducing the risk of suicide., and we must remind others that suicide is not the answer. We can all prevent suicide. You may wonder how you play a part in suicide prevention, so we’ve rounded up a few things you can do this month to make a difference.
