September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, September 6-12 is Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, and September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day. Here are some common risk factors NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has found on suicide:
- Prior suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide
- History of mental health conditions such as severe depression, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders
- Substance misuse
- Impulsivity or aggressiveness
- Serious family problems
- Breakups or other major relationship losses
- Access to means for self-harm (unsecured firearms, prescription medications, poisons)
- Social isolation
- History of traumatic experiences such as sexual violence or severe episodes of racial prejudice/violence, bullying
- Lack of access to mental health care
- Multiple exposures to suicide in one’s community or through unsafe coverage of suicide in the media
If you notice a friend, family member, or peer experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts, it is important to get help and support early. The first step is to contact a licensed mental health clinician or schedule an appointment with an existing clinician. If an immediate matter arises, go to your nearest hospital, or call 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Use this entire month to show support and advocate for suicide prevention
