National Suicide Prevention Month helps raise awareness of risk factors for suicide, promote mental health well-being, and get rid of the stigma surrounding this health issue.

Suicide is considered a serious public health threat and a leading cause of death in Americans. Also called Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this initiative focuses on bringing supportive resources to people in need.

What Is Suicide Prevention Month?

National Suicide Prevention Month is a time for:

  • People to remember and honor their loved ones lost to suicide
  • Recognizing and acknowledging the people who experience suicidal thoughts
  • Supporting family members and loved ones who felt the impact of suicide

Suicide prevention organizations, mental health treatment centers, and advocates come together to provide resources for people who face thoughts of suicide.

They also raise awareness by posting on social media, holding events, offering information on suicide risk, and training people on suicide prevention efforts.

In addition to the month-long event, suicide prevention organizations also recognize:

  • National Suicide Prevention Week: September 8-14, 2024
  • World Suicide Prevention Day: September 10, 2024

How to Take Action for Suicide Prevention Month

There are a number of ways you can take action to show your support for both people who battle suicidal thoughts and their loved ones.

Here are some important ways you can take action this Suicide Prevention Month:

  • Learn about suicide. The best way to support people you love and people affected by suicide is to learn about suicide risk factors, as well as the dangers and warning signs of suicide attempts. Several resources provide suicide toolkits that offer a wealth of information and connections to resources.
  • Arm yourself with resources. This way, you can help people who are facing suicide in the moment. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers real-time support for people who are suicidal. Other organizations include the Zero Suicide Organization, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
  • Learn treatment options. Mental health care can help people manage their suicidal thoughts and, over time, regain their health. If you know someone is struggling, you could offer to help them research crisis counselors, or even look for providers that are aware of specific issues people may face, such as LGBTQ friendly providers.
  • Support suicide prevention efforts. Advocacy is crucial in moving the needle in the suicide health crisis. Join an organization and post on social media, engage in discussions, and offer to be a voice in support of prevention.
  • Raise awareness for suicide prevention. This could look like holding a National Suicice Prevention Month event, posting on social media with the suicide prevention hashtags, sharing resources with friends and family members, or in other ways.

Tips for Offering Support to People Battling Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide is a serious health problem, and one of the most important steps is learning how to provide support to those affected. 

Getting rid of the stigma around suicide and mental health is crucial in showing people who battle this mental health issue the full support they deserve.

The following are tips on offering support for people who are facing thoughts of suicide:

  1. Talk to them. While talking to someone who is suicidal can be difficult for you both, it’s one of the most genuine ways to show you care. There are a range of organizations that offer tips for starting and holding conversations around suicide.
  2. Listen without judgment. The next important component is listening. People who are battling suicide need a listening ear, but feeling judged may deter them from seeking help or a listening ear.
  3. Support them in the way they need. This will look different from person to person. Support can mean offering to stay with them for a time, taking them to the hospital or a mental health care center, or helping them find a support group.
  4. Help create a suicide safety plan. Several organizations also offer guidelines for safety plans, but they may include tips and prompts for how to navigate their suicidal thoughts as they happen.
  5. Set up a support network. You can’t be available all hours of the day. Find mutual friends, family members, and loved ones who have an interest in forming a support network for suicide prevention.

Supportive Resources for People Battling Suicide 

Having resources you can count on for both adult and youth suicide attempts is highly important.

Check out some of these top suicide prevention and awareness resources:

  • Crisis/emergency services: You can call the 988 lifeline, text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or get veteran-specific help at 838255.
  • Information: Find reports on suicide and related co-occurring conditions, such as substance use at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Mental Health, or at the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).
  • Treatment: You can access information on the top treatment options available at SAMHSA, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or at any of the informational resources above. Search for treatment centers at SAMHSA.
  • Support: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers a directory of support groups by location. You can search by zip code, city, and state for providers near you. You 

Get Help for Suicidal Ideations 

National Suicide Prevention Month is a time for honoring people who are impacted by suicide, raising awareness of this health issue, and teaching people the warning signs and top tips for prevention.

If you or someone you love is battling suicide, you don’t have to face this issue alone. Here at Hope’s Destiny, we provide top-quality mental health care and substance abuse treatment for a range of disorders, including suicidal thoughts.

Reach out to us today to learn more about the suicidal treatment, prevention, and support services we offer for residents in Pennsylvania.

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