Calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time of the day, any day of the week, could help save someone’s life. Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. Graphic courtesy of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (MPG) - September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and discuss this urgently increasing crisis, according to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

NAMI has somber statistics: suicide is the second leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 14, the third leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 24 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.

Or, as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports, more than 49,000 people in the United States died by suicide in 2022. That’s one death every 11 minutes.

And millions more experience suicidal thoughts.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background, according to the NAMI website at nami.org. While suicidal thoughts are common, however, they should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

Many events and activities promoting suicide prevention awareness will be held locally, regionally and nationally throughout September.

During Suicide Prevention Month, NAMI and numerous other mental health organizations stress that all of us can help prevent suicide by reaching out to those who need help. 

The National Institute of Mental Health lists five action steps to help someone having suicidal thoughts.

The first step is Ask “Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask but it can help start a conversation.

The second step is Be there: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling.

The third step is Help keep them safe: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide.

The fourth step is Help them connect: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net. You can also assist by reaching out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor or mental health professional.

The fifth National Institute of Mental Health step is Follow up: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.

How You Can Help

The advocacy groups say to educate yourself and others about suicide prevention by checking out the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988.

And visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center at https://sprc.org. Each year, the resource center creates many ways to get involved in Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration invites residents throughout the country to participate in 988 Day on Sept. 8. 988 Day is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the federal agency’s 988 resource and emphasizing the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.

According to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website at 988lifeline.org, “We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.”

The National Institute of Mental Health website at https://www.nimh.nih.gov lists warning signs that indicate someone might be considering suicide. During National Suicide Prevention Month, the institute reminds residents that warning signs include the following:

Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves, talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live, talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions, feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain, talking about being a burden to others, withdrawing from family and friends, giving away important possessions, saying goodbye to friends and family, putting affairs in order, such as making a will, taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast, or talking or thinking about death often.

Other serious warning signs that someone might be at risk for attempting suicide include:

Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy, making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills or buying a gun, talking about feeling great guilt or shame, using alcohol or drugs more often, acting anxious or agitated, changing eating or sleeping habits, and showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored. If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, the institute urges you to get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has recently increased.