September is Suicide Awareness Month
It’s something not frequently spoken about until it happens.
Suicide claims a life every 11 minutes, 125 daily, in the U.S. It’s the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S., the second for people ages 10-34. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. This is an opportunity to change perception, spread awareness, share resources and other solutions.
Know the warning signs
Behavioral changes in a person in crisis can change dramatically with little or no warning. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers several indicators a person may be contemplating suicide. Talking or having thoughts about suicide, known as suicidal ideation, can begin with passive comments such as “I wish I wasn’t here” or “Nothing matters,” but over time, can become more explicit and dangerous. Other warning signs include:
- Increased alcohol and drug use
- Behavioral changes such as aggression, withdrawal, dramatic mood swings
- Impulsive or reckless behavior
Suicide is not usually caused by one factor, but rather multiple factors that lead to an attempt. The warning signs may or may not be subtle which is why many people are caught off-guard and question how they missed possible warning signs when a suicide-related crisis occurs.
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Click here to read stories of people who survived suicide attempts and how they are hoping to inspire others in suicide prevention.