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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).
“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”
