By: Rachel DeGrane
World Suicide Prevention Day happens every year on September 10th. The main purpose of this day is to raise awareness in communities about how suicide can be prevented. Each year suicide is responsible for over 800,000 deaths worldwide; if you break that number down, that means every 40 seconds someone has completed a suicide.
This year the theme is “Working together to prevent suicide.” In order to prevent more suicides from happening we as a community need to be willing to work with one another to educate individuals and raise awareness.
Throughout different communities there are many things people can participate in to help raise awareness. Each year two of our clinicians, Lori and JoyAnn participate in the Out of the Darkness Walk put on by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. These walks happen in communities all across the country and the give people a chance to not only share their story, but raise awareness of resources in the community that are available for individuals who may be suicidal.
So, you may be asking “What can I do to help those around me?” There are so many things you can do not only on World Suicide Prevention Day, but also every other day of the year! Don’t be afraid to speak up about how the completed suicide or an attempted suicide has affected you or someone close to you. Educate yourself on warning signs for suicide, have the national suicide hotline phone number saved in your phone in case you or anyone you know ever need it.
Some of the common warning signs for those at risk for suicide are:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Isolating oneself
- Extreme mood swings
- Talking about wanting to die or killing themselves
- Giving away prized possessions
If you or someone you know is currently struggling with thought of suicide, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of the Owens and Associates staff!
Or, if necessary, call the National Suicide Hotline at: 1-800-273-8255.