According to the CDC, Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. While this is often a stigmatized topic, SAMHSA reminds us that “Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by suicide. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.”
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
According to the CDC, over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022, which is one death every 11 minutes. The Biden White House acknowledged the health crisis, stating in a proclamation, “Though there is no single cause or solution for suicide, we know that access to treatment and support can save lives. However, getting care in a crisis can be hard to access or afford. In 2021, less than half of all adults with mental illness received the care they needed. And nearly 70 percent of children who seek mental health care cannot find it.”
Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D announced that this year they are launching the first-ever national 988 Day, a day of action to be held every year on September 8. 988 Day provides an opportunity to create buzz and raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This year’s theme is “No Judgment. Just Help.” We encourage everyone to celebrate this day along with us and talk to your friends and family about the 988 Lifeline, post on social media using #988Day, or do something to care for your own mental health.
You Can Help
Everyone can be a part of the solution to our suicide health crisis. SAMHSA recommends that everyone learns the warning signs and risk factors for suicide, how to support someone considering suicide, and familiarize yourself with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Warning Signs and Risks
How to Prevent and Support: SAMHSA offers the following advice and resources for anyone struggling:
Help for You
Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life. There are steps you can take to keep yourself safe through a crisis. Call or text 988 any time or chat online with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
You can also visit FindSupport.gov to get support to find resources on:
Help for Someone You Know
Learn how to recognize the warning signs when someone’s at risk—and what action steps you can take. If you believe someone may be in danger of suicide:
- Call 911, if danger for self-harm seems imminent.
- Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to talk to a caring professional.
- Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.
- Listen without judging and show you care.
- Stay with the person or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person until you can get further help.
- Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
Learn how to talk about mental health to help you speak to a loved one who you may think is experiencing any mental health concerns.
