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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September 9, 2020
suicide

September is National Suicide Prevention Month 

All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

A FEW FACTS:

  • From 2009 to 2018, the age-adjusted suicide death rate increased from 11.76 to 14.24 per 100,000 people. From 2009 to 2018, the rate increased from 19.23 to 22.79 per 100,000 for males. Among females, the rate increased from 4.88 in 2009 to 6.18 in 2018.
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 25 to 34 year olds and the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds.
  • Suicide among 45 to 54 year-olds is a growing problem; the national rate of suicide is higher in this age group than in any other.
  • Although older adults engage in suicide attempts less than those in other age groups, they have a higher rate of death by suicide.
  • There are far more suicides each year than homicides.

In the era of Covid-19, everyone must protect their mental health and get help if they need to learn how to cope with uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that everyone be there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide.

National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday from September 6th to the 12th surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness.  The annual week-long campaign is in the United States to inform and engage health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide. By drawing attention to the problem of suicide in the United States, the campaign also strives to reduce the stigma surrounding the topic, as well as encourage the pursuit of mental health assistance and support people who have attempted suicide.

keep going

 

Resources for New Yorkers 

NYC Well has a staff of trained mental health professionals that can help callers find the most appropriate mental health and substance abuse services for their needs. Services include counseling, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, peer support, referrals to care, assistance in connecting to the referral, and follow-up services. NYC Well is free and confidential and operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week via phone, text, and internet chat. NYC Well is multilingual and multicultural:

  • 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)
  • 1-888-692-9355 (Español)
  • 1-888-692-9355 (中文)
  • 711 (TTY for hearing impaired)

You can also text WELL to 65173 or go to NYC Well, an online resource for individuals, families and agencies in need of help and information.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

 

Crisis Text Line's Ashely Womble explains how #stress and #anxiety can make some people feel #alone during the #coronavirus pandemic, but that ultimately there is #help.

You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. There are simple things that can be done to safeguard someone's mental health.  NO one has to do it alone. and You can learn the warning signs for suicide and what to do if you are worried someone is struggling; you can start advocating for smart suicide prevention legislation, and start to have a #RealConvo about mental health. Also, talking about  bringing education programs to your community can make a real difference. We can all learn new ways to help each other save lives. Together, we #KeepGoing.

World Suicide Prevention Day is tomorrow September 10, It’s a day to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.

Suicide Warning Signs

You can help prevent suicide by learning the warning signs. The following signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. The risk of suicide is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings

Some of this information has been excerpted from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

More Resources

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • The Trevor Project: Suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth
  • The JED Foundation: suicide prevention for college students
  • Older Adults: Depression and Suicide
  • LGBTQ Youth and Suicide

  • Services

    NYC Well’s counselors and peer specialists are trained to listen to you and provide the following services:

  • Short-term counseling
  • Suicide prevention and other crisis intervention
  • Peer support
  • Information and referral
  • Follow-up services

  • Short-term counseling can provide support, coping strategies, and techniques for maintaining healthy living while you wait to receive longer-term care. Short-term counseling can vary in frequency and length depending on the need.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-8255