Suicide Prevention Awareness

Sep 1

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an important effort to acknowledge by NAMI. Mental health difficulties affect those of all ages. It is important that we help everyone we know to be more aware of the subject of suicide and better understand how mental health resources may be helpful in preventing this kind of tragedy. We can all do our part to understand what resources are available in our local environment or national organizations and communities that offer support.

Understanding Suicide

The CDC references studies which suggest that suicidal thoughts are not all that uncommon, although it is not a topic often spoken about among individuals. They estimate that in the US alone, 12.2 million people considered suicide, 3.2 million people planned, and 1.2 million attempted. With mental health crises, it is important we try to understand what risk factors are typically associated with suicide as well as what resources exist to help prevent it.

Risk Factors

There are certain circumstances or characteristics that may indicate a risk of suicide in individuals. Everyone is unique, so these indications may be relevant or not depending on the specific person, but SAMSHA recommends being aware of these factors.

General risk factors include: prior attempts of suicide, a socially isolated position, continued abuse of drugs or alcohol, mood disorders or other mental health disorders, disability or disease, lack of access to mental healthcare, knowing another person who died by suicide, and access to lethal means.

Stress can cause much distress for an individual, and in many cases, suicide is related to a larger problem causing someone distress. For instance, the ending of a relationship or losing one’s job could lead someone toward suicidal thoughts if they feel a sense of hopelessness.

Preventing Suicide

Support is one of the most important elements of suicide prevention. It comes in many forms, some social, some emotional, some professional, and many other forms but all are relevant to leading someone toward a better state of mental health. It is important as humans that we have close bonds with other individuals to help us build a sense of community in our lives.

Leading by example is a great way to encourage your loved ones when it comes to mental health. If you have concerns about suicide for yourself or a loved one, speaking to a mental health professional can not only help you, but it may encourage someone else to take the same action. It may provide them with the clarity to seek help without feeling alone.

If someone you know is at risk of suicide according to the factors previously mentioned, it is important to be mindful of how you may be able to help — such as possibly preventing their access to lethal means, or simply ensuring they are not left alone. In any case, help is available through a network of organizations and mental health professionals.

Occupational Therapy and Mental Health

Sometimes an individual can become suicidal due to changes in their life or abilities. Others may require assistance to understand how to implement and use coping strategies that can keep them more mentally healthy when stressful situations occur. In these cases, Occupational Therapists may be able to assist individuals to reach their maximum level of independence and feel more empowered in life. Occupational therapists may also work in conjunction with speech therapists and other mental health providers such as counselors to help on an individual basis.

Resources & Help

So many resources exist for individuals in a mental health crisis. Organizations and larger efforts for support are available nationwide and with the promotion of discourse on the subject, can be more widely known and effective.

Save - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

Save’s goals center on preventing suicide through continued community education, public awareness efforts, and ensuring that individuals are readily equipped with the right tools and resources. They offer support services for all individuals personally affected by suicide as well as those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

https://save.org/who-we-are/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides community support by connecting those locally with each other through events. You can find information about how to join your local chapter. They also provide excellent resources for those looking to understand how to engage in suicide prevention by posing questions like “I want to discover ways to process the loss of a loved one,” as a means to direct more specific, albeit common, concerns.

https://afsp.org/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SAMHSA is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services whose goal is to lead an effort to benefit the US’ overall state of behavioral health.

https://www.samhsa.gov/

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers free emotional support for any individual in crisis. Working with over 200 crisis centers across the country, the lifeline provides support in an effort to reduce the impact of mental health crises on our communities.

https://988lifeline.org/

Resources in Northern and Southern Nevada

The State of Nevada website provides access to many local opportunities for suicide prevention training and education. You can find information about other organizations they recommend for support as well as more information specific to suicide rates and concerns for the individuals of Nevada.

https://suicideprevention.nv.gov/Contact/Contact/