September is the month to raise awareness of a topic that is often stigmatized. According to suicidepreventionlifeline.org, every year, mental health organizations and individuals across the world raise awareness of suicide during September, National Suicide Awareness month.
According to the CDC, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. There is one death by suicide every 11 minutes in America. Approximately 130 suicides occur per day, and more than 700,000 people each year die from suicide. According to lifespan.org, suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 10-33. more teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from AIDS, influenza, pneumonia, and cancer, combined.
There are many different warning signs that people should look out for. According to save.org, some warning signs are acting anxious, talking about feeling trapped, being in unbearable pain, talking about being a burden to others.
“There’s going to be suicide ideation, they’ll think about it a lot, create a plan, sadness, change in attitude, change in friends, change of behaviors, and activities,” counselor Amy Moeller said.
Drugs and alcohol can play a huge role in suicidal behavior, too. Often people may use drugs and alcohol to make themselves feel better or have a sense that they are better. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Service, people who use often have several other risks factors for suicide.
“Drug and alcohol use is a depressant so it could increase the risk for suicide. Substance use and abuse occur more frequently among youth and adults that attempt suicide,” Moeller said.
Social media is the main focus now in this day in age. According to eurekalert.org, many have suggested that social media is increasing suicide risk, but social media is still very much new, and it’s hard for people to determine long-term effects.
“Report the message you see instantly to a trusted adult, do not feel like you are hurting that individual by reporting it,” Moeller said.
There are many questions one can ask to make sure that a person's mental health is okay. According to health.choc.org, ways to check on someone's mental health is by letting them know that they have a support system, asking if they want to talk about that subject, how they are feeling that day, and more.
“Talk to them about what they’re doing to cope, what are some of their coping strategies, and encourage them to go talk to someone who can provide the support necessary if they are experiencing depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation,” Moeller said.
According to mayoclinic.org, there are different services and hotlines to call if in need to call for anyone who is at immediate risk of harming themselves. One may call the National Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor.
“There are inpatient facilities that you can go to and stay long term, also outpatient treatment facilities for depression and suicidal ideation, you can have counselor group therapies, as well as small groups,” Moeller said.