September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide and the importance of seeking help. We hope to alleviate stigma, normalize the conversation around mental illness, help those struggling with suicidal thoughts, educate about the warning signs of suicide and encourage prevention and treatment.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and it is now the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24. There are many reasons why someone might consider suicide. Some people may be struggling with mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Others may be facing difficult life circumstances, such as financial problems, relationship problems, or job loss. Still others may have a history of trauma or abuse.

No matter what the reason, it is important to remember that suicide is never the answer. There is help available, and there is hope for recovery.

If you are thinking about suicide, please reach out for help. You are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help you get through this.

Know the Warning Signs:

• Isolation
• Feeling like a burden
• Feeling lonely
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Feeling sad or depressed
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse or increased substance use
• Irritability, anger, and mood swings
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Talking or posting about wanting to die

If you know someone who is thinking about suicide, please reach out to them and offer your support. Let them know that you are there for them and that you care about them. You can also encourage them to seek professional help.

Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. By talking about suicide and raising awareness, we can help save lives together.

Here are some additional things you can do to help prevent suicide:

• Ask them how they are feeling and listen.
• If actively suicidal, keep them safe until professional help arrives.
• Help them connect with treatment.
• Show compassion and love to those with mental health or substance abuse issues.
• Talk openly about mental health and substance abuse.
• Reduce stigma, mental health is no different than physical health.
• Educate yourself about mental health.
• Do not label or stereotype people with mental health or substance abuse.
• Do not shame those with mental health, help empower them.
• Spend time with them engaging in self-care and activities they enjoy.
• Be a role model, demonstrate self-care and recovery related behaviors.
• Follow up and check in regularly, show them you care.

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against suicide. Help is available, we need to ask for it.

Call BryLin Hospital at (716) 886-8200 to speak with a mental health professional who can help or visit www.brylin.com for more information. With HELP, There’s HOPE.