National Suicide Prevention Week 2021

National Suicide Prevention Week 2021



SEPTEMBER 5TH-11TH


#BETHERE TO HELP PREVENT SUICIDE
“Suicide is more than a mental health concern. Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities”

The Facts About Suicide

Suicide is a public health problem because of its far-reaching effects:

  • Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for more than 47,500 deaths in 2019.
  • In 2019, 12 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million made a planned suicide attempt, and 1.4 million attempted suicide.
  • People who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence are at higher risk for suicide.
  • Early 2020 dataexternal icon show a 4.6% decrease in suicide deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic has increased many risk factors for suicide, such as social isolation and barriers to physical and mental healthcare.

What to Watch For

Individual, relationship, community, and societal factors may influence the risk of suicide. Know the suicide warning signs including:

  • Feeling like a burden
  • Being isolated
  • Increased anxiety
  • Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Increased substance use
  • Looking for a way to access lethal means
  • Increased anger or rage
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Expressing hopelessness
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Talking or posting about wanting to die
  • Making plans for suicide

How to Get Help

Safeguard the people in your life from the risk of suicide and support them:

  • Ask.
  • Keep them safe.
  • Be there.
  • Help them connect. You can start with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).
  • Follow up.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

“We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals”


SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

1-800-273-8255