National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National suicide prevention month. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity, and gender. Although suicidal thoughts may be common, they should not be considered normal and are often an indication of more serious issues. This is a time to shed light and bring awareness to this subject that is often seen as taboo and stigmatized. This month is used to shift the perception and spread home and valuable information to those affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.  

78% of those who die by suicide are males 

Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide 

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in those 10-34 years of age and the 10th leading cause of death over all in the U.S. 

Some of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white communities. 

Suicide prevention is an important topic that needs to be discussed year-round but National suicide prevention awareness month provides a time to come together around a difficult topic.  

Reference 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.org).