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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, And We Need to Talk About It.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and We Need to Talk About It.
Each September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it’s a great reminder to us all that we need to talk about the reality of suicide. When someone dies by suicide, it creates a ripple effect that is felt by their friends, family, community, and beyond. Up to 135 people are affected by a single suicide. These are real lives affected, not just statistical numbers.
Suicide Prevention: How to Help
We can all work together to prevent suicide. You can learn to recognize the warning signs and how to properly help someone work through a crisis and improve overall mental wellness. These are warning signs of suicide you can look for:
Talking about wanting to die
Feeling hopeless
Changing behaviors, such as:
Eating more or less
Sleeping more or less
Drinking more alcohol/using drugs
Displaying extreme mood swings
Taking more dangerous risks
Extreme emotional or physical pain
Extreme sadness, anxiety, anger, and/or rage
How to Talk About Suicide
When you notice the warning signs of suicide in someone, it is extremely important that you take the next steps. Talking about suicide does not encourage it—honesty and openness can get someone the help they need.
The next steps to take when you notice the warning signs of suicide can make all the difference. Ask the person how they are feeling, and don’t be afraid if the answer makes you uncomfortable. Be there for them without judgment, and help connect them with the help they need. Calling 988 is a great place to start. It is a 24/7 hotline to support those who are thinking of suicide and those who want to help someone they know who is struggling. Make sure your support is ongoing. Follow up with them and remind them that you are available for support.
Talkable Communities and Mental Health Training
Talkable Communities launched in 2021 as a shared commitment among First Coast behavioral health organizations to expand access to mental health education and resources. This initiative has mobilized and trained thousands of residents in Northeast Florida and nationally to help fight the root causes of suicide and mental health challenges.
Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to mental wellness. Through the partnership of Talkable Communities, five cost-covered training courses are available to our community that are designed to help individuals, families, workplaces, and community groups support mental well-being and navigate challenges together.
Hope Needs Help Fundraising Campaign
Recent funding cuts threaten this innovative program and its professional local and national trainings that have made mental health support more visible, accessible, and talkable. It’s up to all of us to keep this crucial progress going.
Research suggests you or someone you know has been impacted by mental health crises—or even suicide. We understand how it feels not knowing what to say to someone in these situations. Help us teach neighbors how to save lives. You can make a difference today by supporting our Hope Needs Help fundraising initiative. Donate or create your own fundraising page to help provide hope to a neighbor who sees none.
Together, We Can Prevent Suicide
When we all work together, we can prevent suicide. Don’t be afraid to talk about it. Be open and learn more about how you can help.