Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. According to the CDC, each year more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind thousands of friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-24; these rates are increasing.
Now is the time to open up the conversation, share resources and support.
It can be difficult to know what to say when youre concerned that someone close to you may be at risk for suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides tips for how to have an honest and safe conversation if you think someone is thinking about suicide. Here are some ideas:
- Be direct. Talk openly and honestly about suicide. Dont be afraid to ask directly if they are thinking about suicide.
- Be willing to listen and allow them to express their feelings. Accept that their feelings are valid.
- Be non-judgmental. Dont debate with them whether suicide is right or wrong or whether their feelings are good or bad. Minimizing their problems or giving advice may create distance between you.
- Get involved and become available. Show interest and support them through what they are going through.
- If necessary, take action by removing means such as weapons or stockpiled pills.
- Dont be sworn to secrecy. Seek support if you feel that you are not adequately able to provide the help they need and deserve. Get help from organizations specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Everyone please remember that you are not alone and help is available. 
@lovelyllama13
Thank you for this great post. This is a subject very dear to my heart
Awesome post
@lovelyllama13
This is a great initiative. Suicide is a great problem and real danger. We should all be aware of it and try to awake as many people as we can.
Sending my <3 out to this initiative
@lovelyllama13
Thank you for posting this and bringing this conversation here. A great topic. Something I live with daily and have been managing farily well. Get better at it each year.
#suicideprevention
@reservedexcitment
Also, know that it's a thought, a warning sign, doesn't mean you have to, although it can feel compelling sometimes. It could mean you are hungry, tired, exhausted, lonely, angry, it's raining or you're nervous. If you check in with yourself in those aspects, and change some. It could change the thought! :)
I tried it and many times it one of those. A wise person I know once asked me in the middle of a " this world is a disaster moment" what have I done to move things in the direction I want? I realized nothing. And then he asked, so why do I expect change? I know it's very obvious when written down but it is not when things are a wirl wind.
Also, don't be afraid to reach out.
Thank you
@lovelyllama13
I think you have it wrong, the person is finally at peace, can't the friends and family be happy for them.
@lovelyllama13 ... such an awesome post!! As a nurse working in the Emergency Department, i see people who have attempted suicide and those who came in seeking help. When they fall under my care, i do my best to gain their confort and trust. My experience as a listener here definitely helps me in real life. I take the time to talk to my patients and to provide them with resources, especially this site, our 7cups community, to help them. Due to anonymity, idk if they are here but i truly hope that they are.
Thanm you for this wonderful post 😍
@AliNurse
Thanks for being a nurse that understands. No, I am not one of those you met you but it's wonderful to hear that people working in healthcare are learning more about mental health and how to truly help the minds health and not just treat they health of the physical body.
@reservedexcitment ... 😍 you are welcome
