September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Posted on: August 30, 2022 - 1:38pm
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

East Hartford, CT - While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength to address a difficult topic. The truth is, we can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide, because just one conversation can change a life.

As we recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that the added economic stress, social isolation, loss of loved ones, and hardships that accompany the pandemic cause even more of a strain on people. Suicide prevention is more important now than ever. It is a time to raise awareness on this global health crisis and work to remove the stigma. By simply learning more about mental health issues and suicide, you can make a difference. Take steps to decrease the stigma by changing how you talk about mental health and suicide.

Why we need to take action:

  • Suicide ranks among the top 10 leading causes of death worldwide for all age groups.
  • Worldwide, over 800,000 people die by suicide each year. That's about one person every 40 seconds.
  • In the United States, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. It takes more lives than homicide, war, and natural disasters combined.
  • For every completed suicide, there are 25 attempted by others.
  • It's estimated that most Americans will experience a suicide-related loss in their lifetime.

What we can do:

  • Ask and listen. Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not plant a seed. It lets them know you care enough to reach out and opens the door for effective dialogue about their emotional pain and what next steps need to be taken.
  • Be there and let them know you'll help them. Talk with them and let them know they're not alone.
  • Keep them safe by putting time and distance between the desire to take their life and the means to end their life. If there is immediate risk for suicide, call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency room.
  • Help them connect with support. That may be helping connect the person to mental health treatment; helping them find a doctor or therapist; or helping them to develop a safety plan.
  • Follow up and provide ongoing support. Knowing you care and want them to get the help they need can be lifesaving.

Like any other health emergency, it’s important to address a mental health crisis like suicide quickly and effectively. Suicidal thoughts are a symptom, just like any other health emergency— they can be treated, and they can improve over time. To speak with a public health nurse for resources or assistance, contact the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.