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Suicide Prevention: Why We Need to Talk About It

September 5, 2024  |  Emotional wellbeing, mental health, Suicide prevention
Parents and kids
Photo by Any Lane

 

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time for communities across the country to come together to raise awareness about suicide and engage in important conversations about mental health.

 

Every year, more than 700,000 people die of suicide, which is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. Despite its prevalence, suicide is a topic that’s often kept in the shadows due to stigma.

 

People may fear that talking about suicide or asking someone if they’ve struggled with thoughts of harming themselves will encourage suicide attempts. In reality, talking openly about suicide is the first step in encouraging someone who may be struggling to live.

 

 Today, let’s take a look at the importance of breaking the silence surrounding suicide:

 

 

 

Silence is a Barrier to Seeking Help

 

Many people who experience suicidal thoughts feel totally isolated, alone, and unwanted. They may be afraid to reach out or unsure where to turn. They mistakenly believe the world would be better without them.

 

By normalizing conversations about mental health and suicide, we can create spaces where people feel safe to express their feelings and ask for help when they need it.

 

 

 

Know the Warning Signs. Start the Conversation.

 

If you think someone you know may be having thoughts of suicide or harming themselves, don’t wait for them to reach out. Start the conversation today. It can be as simple as asking how they’re feeling and lending a listening ear. Knowing that just one person cares can be the lifeline someone needs to stay.

 

 

 

Here are some warning signs that indicate someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, feelings, or intentions:

 

 

 

●      Talking (or writing or posting online) about wanting to die or hurt themselves

 

●      Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live

 

●      Talking about being a “burden” to others

 

●      Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities they once loved

 

●      Extreme mood swings, both happy and sad

 

●      Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior

 

●      Saying goodbye or giving away possessions

 

 

 

If you notice any of these signs in someone you know, don’t hesitate to seek help. Support and resources are available 24/7 by calling the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, just dial “988”.  

 

 

 

Conversations About Suicide Prevention Help Everyone

 

Anyone can be affected by suicide. Anyone can find help and hope.

 

 As friends, family members, coworkers, and community members, we can all play a role in supporting mental health and destigmatizing and preventing suicides in our communities. Research shows that supportive, ongoing contact is key in helping prevent suicides among people who are at risk. This September, let’s commit to having important conversations not only during Suicide Prevention Month but all year round.

 

 

 

Find Help. Find Hope!

 

The Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren and Clinton Counties is your starting point for help and suicide prevention resources. From crisis intervention to counseling and support groups, we’re here to connect you or a loved one to local, supportive resources.

 

 

 

In crisis? Call 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) immediately. Additionally, throughout Ohio, anyone can text the keyword “4Hope” to 741-741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor within 5 minutes for anonymous support anytime, anywhere.