At MINES, we’re dedicated to supporting our community through all mental health challenges every day of the year. This National Suicide Awareness Month, we’d like to talk about the important issue of suicide, offer practical tips on how you can offer support, and provide additional resources.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or considering ending your own life, please reach out for help immediately. Call 988 for 24/7 crisis support, or dial 911 if you’re facing an immediate emergency. Remember, you’re not alone – there are people who care about you and want to help. There is hope, and support is available.

Statistics that show why we still need suicide awareness

Unfortunately, suicide rates in the United States have crept back up to their peak in the past few years. These statistics make it clear why suicide awareness continues to be so important.

• Nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. died of suicide in 2022.
• Far more people – around 1.6 million – attempted suicide.
• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• One person dies by suicide every 11 minutes.
• Over 13 million people think seriously about suicide every year.
• People who identify as non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native and non-Hispanic white face the highest risk of dying by suicide.
• Males are 4 times more likely to die by suicide than females.
• Firearms were used in more than 50% of suicide deaths.
• Older adults (aged 85 and older) are the most likely to die by suicide.
• More than 20% of teens have seriously considered suicide.
• Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for teenagers.

[Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Psychological Association, Population Reference Bureau]

How everyone can support suicide awareness

If you don’t work in the mental health field, it’s easy to start feeling helpless in the face of America’s suicide crisis. You might feel like there’s nothing you can do to raise awareness and support people facing this – but that’s not true. There are steps that each of us can take to raise suicide awareness and offer support for people who may be affected.

Here are some actions to take for suicide awareness, both at work and beyond.

Talk about it openly

First of all, it’s important to break the taboo of suicide and talk about it openly, just like we talk about other leading causes of death. This doesn’t mean you’re obligated to share the intimate details of your life at work or in other situations, but shying away from the topic only heightens the stigma against it. For example, if a loved one died by suicide, don’t be afraid to say that directly instead of using euphanisms.

Open discussions not only about suicide, but about mental health in general. Creating an environment where mental health is normalized can feel safer for people who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Use empathetic language

When you do talk about suicide, it’s important to use the right language. Using empathetic wording can help break the stigma against suicide and help people feel less villainized. An important example is refraining from saying that someone “committed” suicide. The term “committed” has a negative connotation, and makes the person who died seem like a criminal rather than a victim. Instead, use the more neutral phrasing, “died by suicide.”

Learn the signs and causes

An important way to contribute to suicide prevention is to commit to learning. Attend workshops, trainings, and online webinars that teach about the early signs of suicide and how to support someone who’s feeling this way. Experts say that suicide is preventable most of the time, and knowing the signs plays an important role in prevention. Plus, going to these trainings may uncover unconscious biases you may have about suicide and work toward dismantling them.

Spread awareness of resources

There are numerous free and accessible resources available to help those at risk of suicide. You can raise awareness of these resources in various ways, such as sharing them on social media, discussing them openly at work, creating flyers, or even hosting webinars. These actions can help connect people to the support they need when they’re feeling vulnerable. For example, sharing the number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 in the U.S.) or information about local mental health services can make a huge difference. The more people are aware of these resources, the more likely they are to use them or share them with someone who might need them.

Another way to spread awareness is by advocating for mental health days or providing employees with resources related to suicide prevention in the workplace. By normalizing conversations around mental health resources, you help reduce the stigma and make it easier for someone to seek help.

Reach out

If you’re ever concerned about a loved one being at risk for suicide, don’t hesitate to reach out. It can feel scary at first, and many people worry that by bringing the topic of suicide up with their loved one, they’ll “put the idea in their head.” This is a myth – if your loved one is thinking about suicide, then approaching the topic with them is more likely to help them feel better than worse.

Reach out to anyone you’re concerned about with empathy and non-judgment. Refrain from using any language that could make them feel guilty about considering suicide. For example, don’t say, “Think about how it would impact your kids. How could you do that to them?” Instead, try saying, “That sounds really painful, and I’m worried about you. We’ll get the help you need together – you’re not alone. I’m here for you.”

Donate and/or volunteer

Lastly, if you’re passionate about this cause, consider making a donation or volunteering your time to support a mental health or suicide awareness organization. Donations help fund critical research, support services, and awareness campaigns, which makes a tangible impact on the fight against suicide. Volunteering, whether through crisis hotlines, community outreach, or local events, can provide hands-on support to those in need.

By contributing your time or resources, you become part of a larger effort to reduce stigma and support those affected by suicide. Even small contributions can lead to meaningful change – whether that’s providing comfort to someone in crisis or helping spread vital information that could save a life.

Important resources

At MINES, we strive to be a valuable resource for employees who may be facing mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts. Our licensed therapists offer free and confidential counseling 24/7 for our EAP members.

In addition to your EAP, there are numerous other resources available to support individuals who may be considering suicide. You are not alone, and these resources can provide the help you need:

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988): Dial 988 for free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors, available 24/7 across the U.S.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with someone who can provide immediate help.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text, available 24/7.
• The Trevor Project: A lifeline specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or visit their website for chat support.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans and their loved ones can dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255, for specialized support.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for information, support, and referrals for those facing mental health challenges.
• SAMHSA National Helpline: For those seeking treatment options, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to access a confidential, free, 24/7 helpline that provides information and referrals to local services.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Visit their website for resources on understanding and preventing suicide, as well as support for those affected by it.

These resources are here to offer support and guidance, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is struggling. Remember, help is always available, and it’s okay to ask for it.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post National Suicide Awareness Month: Why It Still Matters and Ways to Show Support appeared first on MINES and Associates.