It’s Suicide Prevention Month – How You Can Help

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September is Suicide Prevention Month in the United States, and September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. There are an average of 123 suicides each day in the United States. It’s the tenth leading cause of death in America — second leading for ages 25-34, and third leading for ages 15-24.

The progress to first acknowledge the issue to taking steps to prevent it has been a slow one.  In 1958 the very first suicide prevention center opened, and it wasn’t until 1970 that a suicide prevention task force was created, and it took another thirty years after that to get crisis centers established nationally.  It took until 2012 for a long-term prevention plan to be put into place: The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, which concludes that the goal of saving lives can only be achieved through a series of coordinated steps.

Depression and Suicide have tended to be problems kept in the dark, not discussed, even cause for damnation by many religions.  And that has allowed the numbers to rise.  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.

Here are some ways you can help observe National Suicide Prevention Month and get involved:

  1. Spread the message

    All Month long 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.

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    Photo Credit: Orawan Pattarawimonchai / Shutterstock.com