September is Suicide Prevention Month

A time to raise awareness about suicide and highlight essential resources available for support.

The past few years have been particularly challenging for many, resulting in increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

According to the CDC, a person dies by suicide approximately every 11 minutes in the United States, emphasizing the need for urgent action. The concerning rise in suicidal ideation, particularly among teenagers, calls for open discussions and proactive support.

Crisis Support:

1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org (https://988lifeline.org) for immediate help.
2. Samaritans: Provides 24-hour support for individuals in crisis. Visit Samaritans Hope (https://samaritanshope.org) for local services.
3. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: Offers peer-led support for those experiencing mental health challenges. More information can be found at DBSA (https://www.dbsalliance.org).
4. Talk Away the Dark: Raises awareness about suicidal ideation and provides community support. Visit Talk Away the Dark (https://nspw.afsp.org) for more.

Support for Survivors:

For individuals coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide:

1. Alliance of Hope for Suicide Survivors: Provides community support and forums for those affected by suicide. Visit Alliance of Hope (https://allianceofhope.org) for details.
2. Friends for Survival: Offers resources for suicide loss survivors and a helpline at 1-800-646-7322. Learn more at Friends for Survival (https://friendsforsurvival.org).
3. Parents of Suicide and Friends & Family of Suicides (POS-FFOS): Features public message boards and live chats for those grieving. Visit POS-FFOS (https://www.pos-ffos.com) for more information.
4. After a Suicide: A grief resource directory with educational materials for support can be found at After a Suicide (http://www.personalgriefcoach.net).
5. American Association of Suicidology: Offers a directory for suicide loss survivors at AAS (https://suicidology.org/community…/suicide-loss-survivors/).
6. Save.org: Provides a database for finding community support groups. Access it at SAVE (https://www.save.org/…/suicide…/find-a-support-group/).

Engaging in conversations about suicide with openness and compassion is crucial. Education and support can save lives and foster a sense of community. If you or someone you know is struggling, please take advantage of these invaluable resources.