How to Take Action in Suicide Prevention Month
Whether you’re a mental health professional, a teacher or student, a parent, or simply an individual, everyone plays a role in suicide prevention. But what does it mean to prevent suicide?
September marks the start of National Suicide Prevention Month, which serves as an opportunity for us to open the conversation on suicide, learn more, and take action. This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the hashtag “#Start the Conversation”. I appreciate this year’s theme because of how important, yet hard, it is to start the conversation on suicide. By speaking up about suicide awareness in schools, communities, or workplaces, a safer environment is cultivated for those who are struggling and wish to seek help. You could save a life just by asking someone how they’re really doing.
The Facts
Learning the facts helps us better understand suicide and its presence. The latest data from the CDC shows that in 2024, around 48,000 people lost their lives to suicide, and an even higher number of people considered or attempted suicide. However, what’s more concerning is not the high numbers but how a range of different people were affected. People from many races, males and females, students, veterans, teenagers and pre-teens, adults, and even those over the age of 80 were significantly included in the statistics. This goes to show how suicide prevention is vital in every space, including in families, schools, workplaces, faith communities, and larger systems of life. Looking out for your loved ones and the people in your community is helpful because anyone could be suffering in silence.
The Warning Signs
A person may display behaviors and actions that indicate they are at risk of attempting suicide. Given today’s stigmas surrounding mental health, a person may not feel safe talking about their suicidal ideation due to fear and judgment. Therefore, being aware of these subtle behaviors and actions is vital.
If you ever notice these signs in someone and suspect that they may be at risk, it’s important to immediately check in with them and open a conversation about suicide. You can show your support by staying calm, listening attentively, asking direct questions, and reassuring them that help is out there. It’s important to continue being there for that person and to help them connect with mental health professionals if they’re having trouble seeking help on their own.
Practical Steps to Take Action
There are other ways to take action, such as spreading the word on suicide awareness on your social media platforms, sharing resources online, participating in local suicide awareness events and efforts, donating to suicide prevention non-profits, and simply reaching out to loved ones and offering support. I encourage you to identify a way you want to take action within your capacity, no matter how small, to help make a difference in this mission.
Resources and Help
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which will offer support and guidance.
Talking about suicide can bring many heavy emotions, which is why it’s important to remember to care for your well-being as well. Whether you or your loved one is struggling, our licensed therapists at Transformation Counseling and Consulting are trained to help you navigate stress/anxiety and support you with compassion.
Please call us at (919) 283-6083 or visit our website https://transformcc10.com/ and click the Schedule an Appointment button for help.
Written by: Hiba Alayyan, undergraduate intern