Every year on September 10 people come together and express different ways to honor World Suicide Prevention Day. This day is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization. The main end goal for this day is to help raise awareness about suicide prevention and the importance of mental health.
In 2020 the 10 leading cause of death in the United States was suicide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an average of 130 people commit suicide every day in America yet 93% of people believe suicide can be prevented.
It is the second cause of death for people ages 10 to 34. It affects young and middle-aged people especially hard. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2018 Fatal Injury Reports, men are 3.6 times more likely to commit suicide than women, although women are 1.4 times more likely to attempt suicide.
Talking about mental health is often something that can get pushed aside. According to Suicide Prevention Lifeline, studies show talking to someone and acknowledging suicidal tendencies in a person can help deter them from thoughts of suicide rather than increasing them.
Always be kind and sensitive when talking to people who you believe may be having suicidal thoughts. Sometimes just having someone to talk to without feeling judged is all people need.
There are several different organizations that provide help to people who are struggling with mental health issues. Most people are familiar with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline which can be reached at 800-273-8255. This hotline is available 24 hours, seven days a week, and has crisis councilors on the line ready to help.
For more information about where to find help visit: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Marquie Peyton
Intern