September is National Suicide Prevention Month

September is an important time to reflect on the steps we can all take to support mental health and prevent suicide. National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder to educate ourselves and our communities about the warning signs of suicide, risk factors, and available resources. Spreading awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages open conversations about mental health, empowering people to seek help when needed.

According to the CDC, there were over 49,000 suicide deaths in 2022, equating to about one every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In that same year, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for ages 10-64 and the second leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and 25-34. Certain racial/ethnic groups, like non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic White people, have higher suicide rates. Youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual have a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behavior compared to their peers who identify as heterosexual.

In North Carolina, 4 people a day die by suicide. In 2022, there were more than 1,560 suicide-related deaths. The suicide crisis has been steadily worsening in the state of North Carolina over the past decade. Data from the NC Department of Health and Human Services reveals a concerning 11% increase in suicide deaths in the state over the past 10 years. The situation has only been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2019 to 2022, NC saw a 12% spike in suicide deaths, rising from 1,358 in 2019 to 1,562 deaths in 2022. This fact sheet provides some good information related to suicide in our state.

Suicide is preventable. The CDC has developed a Suicide Prevention Resource for Action to provide information on the best available evidence for suicide prevention. Additionally, the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention from the Department of Health and Human Services is a bold, 10-year whole-of-society approach that provides concrete recommendations for addressing gaps in the suicide prevention field. It promotes a coordinated and comprehensive approach to suicide prevention in communities across the country and at the national, state, tribal, local, and territorial levels. Visit their website to learn how you can achieve meaningful, equitable, and measurable advancement in suicide prevention.

The 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention has several key areas of focus:

-988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

-health equity

-the intersection of suicide and substance use

-youth and social media and

-lethal means safety.

September 8, 2024, marks the observance of 988 Day, a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of mental health and suicide prevention efforts across the country. On this day, use the theme "No Judgement. Just Help." to promote 988. Access resources in the 988 Partner Toolkit for social media, video, print, radio, FAQs, messaging, and other marketing materials that can be used to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's message for September and beyond is #BeThe1To (ask, be there, keep them safe, help them stay connected, follow up) to help spread the word about how everyone can take action to prevent suicide. Visit their website to learn more about how YOU can take action. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline also provides specific resources for the variety of individuals struggling with suicide as we are reminded that ANYONE can struggle with suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in several languages, including American Sign Language.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week runs from September 8th to September 14th this year. This week is a time to share resources and stories and promote suicide prevention awareness. World Suicide Prevention Day will also be recognized on September 10th. This is a time to remember those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most. The International Association for Suicide Prevention's theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with a call to action of "Start the Conversation." Changing the narrative is about shifting from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to openness, empathy, and support. It means fostering empathy and compassion for those who are struggling and understanding that suicidal thoughts and feelings are a sign of immense pain and distress but talking about suicidal thoughts does not increase their presence or occurrence. It means listening without judgment, offering support, and guiding individuals toward help. By starting these conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.

Suicide can be prevented by recognizing signs, learning how to help, and taking steps to help those in need. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Student Services Department has a district policy to respond to and manage suicide risk.

#SuicidePreventionMonth

#SPM24

#suicideprevention

#BeThe1To

#StartTheConversation

#988Day

#mentalhealthmatters

#it'sokifyou'renotok

#it'soktoaskforhelp

Resources:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

International Association for Suicide Prevention