Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month —a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help.
Throughout the month of September, NAMI will highlight the “Together for Mental Health” campaign, which encourages people to bring their voices together to advocate for better mental health care, including an effective crisis response system. After years of advocacy and preparation, 988 is now available nationwide as the new number to contact for mental health, substance use and suicide crises — a simple, easy-to-remember way for people to get help. This new number will allow people to quickly connect with support during an emergency, 24/7, no matter where they live.
Ultimately, NAMI wants any person experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors to have a number to call, and a system to turn to, that would connect them to the treatment and support they need.
Crisis Resources
- If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
- Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide
- Be Prepared for a Crisis
- Read our guide “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis”
- What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide
- If you need more information, referrals or support? Contact the NAMI HelpLine.
How To Engage With Together For Mental Health
During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, please refer to these images and graphics you can use on your website and social media accounts. Use #Suicide Prevention or #Together4MH
While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength to address difficult topic. The truth is, we can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide, because just one conversation can change a life.
Pre-Order NAMI’s First Book: “You Are Not Alone”
“You Are Not Alone,” NAMI’s first ever book, is here to offer help. Written by Dr. Ken Duckworth with the expertise of a leading psychiatrist and the empathy of a family member affected by mental illness, this comprehensive guide includes stories from over 130 people who have been there — including people with mental illness and caregivers — and understand how challenging it can be to find the help you need, when you need it. Their stories are what makes this book different from your typical mental health guide.
The book covers how to get help, pathways to recovery, the intersection of culture and mental health, and many more important topics to guide any person’s mental health journey. NAMI’s hope is that this guide can help people find that key help and support sooner and make recovery more accessible to those trying to find it.
Pre-order your copy of the book today or for bulk purchases, visit Porchlight- You Are Not Alone.
Share Key Fast Facts
These are only a few of the reasons why it’s important to take part in promoting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Please use these facts and others, including the “It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide” infographics on our website, to encourage discussions with your community through social media or other forms of outreach.
Individual Impact:
- 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
- Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
- The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999.
- 46% of people who commit suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
- While nearly half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.
Community Impact:
- Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide by U.S. demographic group:
- 9% of all adults
- 3% of young adults aged 18-25
- 8% of high school students
- 45% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students
- The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white communities.
- Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
- Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for people in local jails.
EVIDENCE-BASED RESOURCE GUIDE SERIES: Treatment for Suicidal Ideation, Self-Harm, and Suicide Attempts Among Youth
Call to Action – If you are a mental health provider of color or a college student of color who is pursuing a career as a mental health provider and would like to hear more about how you can help answer the call to improve the quality of behavioral health crisis response in the Greater Prince William Area, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to find out more!
Clinical Supervision Announcement Opportunity – If you are pursuing a counseling career as an LPC, LMFT, or LCSW in Virginia and require clinical supervision hours, go to: https://forms.office.com/r/JdvwMvPfBp to complete the Clinical Supervision Application or scan the CR code below.
Mentoring & Career Coaching Announcement Opportunity – Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, and Social Work Historically Black Colleges & University (HBCU) Students.
If you are interested in pursuing a counseling career as an LPC, LMFT, or LCSW in Virginia and would like to receive mentoring and career coaching, go to: https://forms.office.com/r/2MPa4Jau7b to complete the Mentoring/Career Coaching Application or scan the CR code below.
If you would like to hear more about how you can help answer the call to improve the quality of behavioral health crisis response in the Greater Prince William Area, please get in touch with us at Laurie.wilson@mftsva.com and sign up here for our Newsletter.
1. Data from CDC, NIMH, and other select sources. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM)