September is National Suicide Prevention Month, an annual observance dedicated to increasing awareness of and action around suicide prevention. Additionally, National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4-10, 2022) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10, 2022) are recognized annually as a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness. We need to talk about mental health and suicide prevention year-round, but Suicide Prevention Month is a great time to intentionally set aside time to talk about this topic, which is sometimes seen as taboo. Open communication and open dialogue can help save the lives of those in crisis.
Anyone can experience feelings and events that put them at risk for suicide. This year, Johnson County Mental Health Center hopes to continue honest and hopeful conversations about suicide and suicide prevention. This conversation, though difficult, can lead to people getting help and treatment and, ultimately, staying alive. You matter and you are not alone. Tomorrow needs you.
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), 126 Americans die by suicide every day. This results in the loss of around 45,979 Americans every year. These numbers are hard to digest. We must be able to look for warning signs in the people we care about.
Do they talk about being hopeless, wanting to die, being in pain, having no purpose or being a burden to others? Have they increased substance use, withdrawn from loved ones or increased/decreased sleep? Do they seem agitated, reckless or anxious? We all have an important role in preventing suicide. Let’s rally together to ask directly when we are worried about others and ask for help ourselves. 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 and help prevent suicide.
‌
‌
‌
‌
