AES27 Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

TW: Mention of suicide, mental illness, trauma, and abuse 

September is suicide prevention month (World Suicide Prevention Day September 10th and Suicide Prevention Week September 5th - 11th) So, why do people commit suicide? A person who has had a traumatic experience, including childhood sexual abuse rape, physical abuse, or war trauma, is at a greater risk for suicide, even many years after the trauma. A person may decide to take their own life when facing a loss or a fear of a loss. These situations may include Academic failure, bullying, shaming, financial problems, end of a close friendship, or romantic relationship, or loss of social status. 

What are the warning signs that someone feels suicidal? 

• Becoming anxious 
• Being more irritable 
• Being quieter 
• Acting recklessly 
• Sleeping too much or too little 
• Not wanting to be around other people 
• Saying negative things about themselves 

How can I help someone who is suicidal? Let them know that you care about them and that they are not alone. Empathize with them, you can say something like “I can’t imagine how painful this is for you, but I would like to try to understand.” Be non-judgmental, don’t criticize or blame them. And reassure them that they will not feel this way forever. 

So why is suicide prevention month so important? Suicide Prevention Month helps us become more comfortable discussing mental health issues, become more aware of suicide, engage others who are thinking about suicide and know resources for those who are feeling suicidal. The month-long efforts of Suicide Prevention Month are just the beginning, and these messages are meant to be carried with us and by us throughout the year. This month reminds us to always be aware of this issue and to take our part to be the solution.

When someone is struggling mentally people don’t really care, but when they commit suicide people will think “why didn’t they told me that they’re struggling”. Maybe they did tell you but you’re not aware of that, so always be aware. So like go check on your friends or family that you know are struggling, help them. Even just reminding them how much they mean to you, how you’re so proud of them, or how amazing and talented they are. As someone that struggled, believe me, those words really matter. You never know that you can save someone’s life. Be part of the solution.