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MCC Daily Tribune

Suicide Prevention Month

There are an average of 123 suicides each day in this country. It’s the tenth leading cause of death in America — second leading for ages 25-34, and third leading for ages 15-24. In order to create awareness and strengthen the fight against suicide, the entire month of September is Suicide Prevention Month. Participate in the fight by getting involved with local organizations and listening to those who need help.

BY THE NUMBERS 

30% – the percentage increase in the rate of death by suicide in the U.S. between 2000 and 2016.

50% – the percentage increase in suicides among girls and women between 2000 and 2016.

10 – the ranking of suicide as the leading cause of death in the U.S. 

47,511 – the number of Americans who died by suicide in 2019.

1.38 million – the number of suicide attempts in the U.S. in 2019.

13.93 – the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100,000 individuals.

3.63 – the number of times by which more men committed suicide than women in recent years. 

69.38% – the percentage of white males who accounted for suicide deaths in 2019. 

50.39% – the percentage of all suicides by firearms.

93% – the percentage of Americans surveyed who think suicide can be prevented.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

  1. Spread the message

    Throughout Suicide Prevention Month, it’s extremely important to spread awareness, take time to reach out to those in need and help people understand the severity of this cause. How? Hand out Suicide Prevention pins, start a campaign, and share stories of hope on social media.

  2. Volunteer at a crisis center

    Provide support by volunteering at a crisis center in your area. Although this is something that can be done year-round, Suicide Prevention Month is the perfect time to get started. Check out the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, an organization that offers free and confidential emotional support 24/7 to those in crisis or emotional distress.

  3. Record a supportive video

    This is an easy option that doesn’t cost money or time, so anyone can do it. Simply record a 15-30 second video promising your friends to listen to anything they need to say. Then, use the hashtags #suicideispreventable #800273TALK #LETITOUT.

5 NO-NONSENSE TIPS TO HELP SOMEONE IN CRISIS

  1. Ask direct questions

    Even though it's hard, ask a person directly if they’re thinking about suicide.

  2. Listen to their answers

    People with suicidal thoughts often feel alone, so be sure to let them know that you care deeply about what they have to say.

  3. Do a safety check

    If you're concerned for their well-being, try removing anything they could use to harm themselves, such as alcohol, drugs, medications, weapons, and even access to a car.

  4. Don't keep this a secret

    Let them know you’ll help come up with a plan that involves telling a professional who can utilize the many services and resources available to help.

  5. Ensure they seek professional help

    Unless you work in the mental health industry, it's important to suggest they seek additional help from other people, such as a doctor, counselor, psychologist or social worker.

WHY NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH IS IMPORTANT

  1. It promotes awareness

    Suicide prevention organizations aim to decrease suicides by 20 percent over the next seven years. In order to do this, they're making a conscious effort to talk about suicide — its warning signs, how to prevent it, how to discuss it, etc.— in school, at the workplace, and in politics.

  2. It starts a dialogue

    There's a stigma connected to suicide, so too often it's not talked about — and those who suffer from it feel they can't discuss it. Suicide Prevention Month helps to destigmatize this mental illness and promote conversation.

  3. It initiates change

    Thanks to Suicide Prevention Month, approaches to suicide are beginning to change. For example, schools and workplaces are implementing new programs and even pop culture is acknowledging it. For example, the Netflix show “13 Reasons Why” portrays the severity of suicide, the struggles leading to this tragic decision, as well as how it affects those left behind. The Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is using this platform to its advantage by turning the issues on the show into a national conversation.

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
09/02/2022