Suicide Prevention Has To Be An Ongoing Effort

September is designated National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. Having a month dedicated to suicide awareness is wonderful, however suicidal ideation is not a once a year risk. Suicide prevention needs to be an ongoing crusade, and we all need to be aware of what we can do to help.

What You Need to Know About Suicide Prevention

A contributing factor to suicidality (the risk of suicide, usually indicated by suicidal ideation or intent, especially as evident in the presence of a well-elaborated suicidal plan) is having the means to end your life. Access to firearms and medication too often provide the necessary means. If you are concerned that suicide may be a consideration for a friend or loved-one consider making these items unavailable.

What You Can Do To Help

Having someone close to you who is suicidal can make you feel helpless, but in fact, there is a lot that you can do to help. According to Crisis Hotline 988 Lifeline, research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Just acknowledging and talking about suicide can help reduce suicidal ideation.

If you are having a hard time, if you feel sad and alone, if you know someone who may be struggling please, please text 988 or check out www.988Lifeline.org.

The crisis hotline is available 24/7

There is Help

There is Hope