SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH

Your life doesn’t have to end with a period, it can begin a new with a semicolon [https://projectsemicolon.com/]. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This is a time to share resources and stories on this stigmatized topic. Suicide doesn’t happen alone. It personally affects loved ones, communities, and beyond. It is important that we take the time to learn the warning signs & steps to help someone at risk. Suicide does not have a particular cause, nor does it have a target demographic. According to the SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), warning signs and indicators may include:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself;
• Looking for a way to kill oneself;
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose;
• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain;
• Talking about being a burden to others;
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs;
• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless;
• Sleeping too little or too much;
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated;
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and
• Displaying extreme mood swings.

A life is taken by suicide every twelve minutes. Please, use this month, and each day to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It’s okay to seek counsel before you need counsel.

Utilize the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and keep it handy for you, or anyone who may be having suicidal thoughts: 1-800-273-8255. Suicide can happen at any age. What you’re going through may be more than just a phase. Learn more, and banish the stigma around suicide now, and every single day. Take time to show hope and love for those of us who struggle with suicide, mental health, addiction, and self-harm.