According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 700,000 people die by suicide every year, which equates to one person every 40 seconds. Additionally, 77% of suicides occurred in low-income and middle-income countries in 2019. Suicide also accounted for 1.3% of deaths worldwide, making it the 17th leading cause of death in the world in 2019.1 Suicide is a global phenomenon and occurs in people of all age groups and backgrounds. From celebrities like Robin Williams to the everyday person, no one is immune to this problem. In fact, for every one adult who commits suicide, numerous other people attempt it. But we can all help to prevent suicide. Our treatment center in Lake Worth is sharing more about the history of National Suicide Prevention Month and how you can do your part to reduce the number of tragedies related to suicide.
When Is National Suicide Prevention Month?
Every year, the entire month of September is National Suicide Prevention Month. In this month, both National Suicide Prevention Week (Sunday, September 5th, 2021 to Saturday, September 11th, 2021) and National Suicide Prevention Day (Friday, September 10th, 2021) take place. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) teams up with the WHO and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host these dates, events, and to bring communities together to promote suicide awareness. The hashtag #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message, helping to spread the word about ways people can prevent suicide.
What Is National Suicide Prevention Month?
National Suicide Prevention Month is a month where mental health advocates, treatment centers, mental health specialists, organizations, suicide survivors, allies, and communities unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. The month is broken down into individual dates, during which events are held to educate communities about suicide, its causes, and preventative measures they can take to help those struggling with suicidal thoughts or tendencies. The slogan for National Suicide Prevention Month promotes taking actions like asking how the person is doing, keeping them safe, being there for them, helping them connect, and following up with them if they aren’t doing well.
Suicide and mental health are tightly linked. An untreated mental illness is one of the causes of suicide. However, because it’s still considered such a taboo subject, many people who struggle with their mental health are hesitant to talk about it. From depression to eating disorders to anxiety, compromised mental health can affect anyone of any age and background. Not only does National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month aim to break down the stigma of mental illness and suicide, but it also advocates for awareness and treatment in addition to providing hope and vital information to people who have been affected by suicide.
Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches is a treatment center that offers both addiction and mental health treatment. We do our best to participate in events like National Suicide Prevention Month and actively help and support people who are struggling with a drug problem, drinking problem, or mental illness. If you’re currently struggling with mental illness or know someone who is, one of our mental health programs can help. Professional treatment is crucial in not only preventing suicide but in giving the individual an opportunity to live a life where they aren’t held captive by their condition.
How You Can Participate in National Suicide Prevention Month 2021
While you may mean well, suicide is a generally misunderstood concept that’s chained to many misconceptions. Below are some healthy and meaningful ways to participate in National Suicide Prevention Month without adding to the stigma or prejudice surrounding this issue.
- Avoid language that sensationalizes or normalizes suicide or presents it as a solution to problems.
- When writing or posting about suicide, never refer to it as “successful,” “unsuccessful,” or a “failed attempt.”
- Share the Suicide Prevention Lifeline logo on social media platforms.
- Wear the Suicide Prevention Ribbon, which is purple and blue.
- Ask your loved ones if they’re okay and check up on their mental health often.
- Be there for a loved one suffering from a mental illness and help them find treatment.
- Donate
- Volunteer at your local crisis center.
National Suicide Prevention Months Quotes
Whether you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts or know someone who is or has in the past, below are a few suicide prevention quotes that can offer support during a difficult time.
“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them — every day begin the task anew.” —Saint Frances de Sales
“If your heart is still beating, God is not done with you yet.” —Dillon Burroughs
“The pain passes, but the beauty remains.” —Pierre August Renoir
“The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die.” —Juliette Lewis
“There is a hero inside of you. You are the main character in an epic struggle between good and evil. Let’s travel to the dark places of grief together and climb out, where we can see the bigger picture.” —Marie White
“To anyone out there who’s hurting — it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength.” —Barack Obama
“Soak up the views. Take in the bad weather and the good weather. You are not the storm.” —Matt Haig
Many people turn to substance abuse and suicide as a result of mental illness. Both of these avenues are heartbreaking solutions that lead to tragedy. If you’re struggling with a substance use disorder, our addiction treatment in Palm Beach can help. For further information about our addiction and mental health services, call BHOPB now at 561-220-3981.
Source:
- WHO – Suicide data
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