Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Supporting Individuals & Families Through Knowledge & Resources
Suicidal ideations and attempts—like any other mental health condition—have the ability to affect people of any age, gender, creed, or culture. In fact, suicide is frequently the result of an untreated mental health issue. Even though suicidal thoughts occur more often than many realize, they should never be brushed off as something one will eventually “get over.”
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month occurs each September and it is used to raise awareness of this heartbreaking topic. Often stigmatized, Suicide Awareness Month is used to address public perception of the taboo subject, spread a message of hope, and share important information regarding suicide and the data surrounding it.
Mental Health Technology’s goal is to ensure individuals, as well as their friends and family, have access to vital resources needed to seek help and openly discuss hardships.
Suicide Statistics
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States.
It is the 2nd leading cause among adolescents between the ages of 10 to 14 and the 3rd leading cause among individuals aged 15 to 24.
46 percent of individuals who die via suicide had a previous mental health diagnosis and 90 percent experienced symptoms, with or without a formal diagnosis.
LGBTQ youth are almost 4 times more likely to attempt to take their own lives than those who identify as straight.
Transgender adults are 9 times more likely to attempt to take their own lives than the rest of the population.
Statistics by serious thoughts of suicide in the United States:
4.9 percent of adults
18.8 percent of high school students
11.3 percent of those aged 18 to 25
45 percent of LGBTQ youth (Reference 1)
Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Suicide does not typically come down to one root cause. Many times it’s a combination of two or more factors that lead to a sense of overwhelm, resulting in the decision to take their own life. Below is a list of some, but certainly not all, warning signs that one may exhibit prior to attempting suicide.
Expressing verbally (or in writing) the desire to die
Belief that they are a burden to others
Feelings of being trapped or in pain
Hopelessness and/or having no purpose
Increased substance use
Becoming increasingly agitated, anxious, or aggressive
Changes in sleeping patterns
Social withdrawal
Showing rage or trying to retaliate
Extreme mood swings
Risk factors do not necessarily mean that one who is exhibiting any of the behaviors listed is at risk for taking their own life, they are simply characteristics that could make it more likely for someone to have suicidal ideations.
Previous suicide attempts and/or a family history of attempts
Mental health diagnoses - especially schizophrenia or mood disorders
Alcohol and drug abuse
Impulsive tendencies
History of trauma and/or abuse
Chronic illnesses
Financial or relationship problems and/or loss
Lack of support (family, friends, healthcare providers, etc.)
Cultural beliefs (Reference 2)
Resources
To learn about resources native to your area, you can Google “local suicide help” to see your neighborhood’s local resources available to you.
You may also visit your local:
Doctor
Psychiatric hospital
Walk-in clinic or urgent care
Emergency room
Other options include:
24/7 Crisis Hotline
In 2020, Congress enacted the 988 hotline to help all Americans suffering from mental crises for free. There are trained counselors available 24/7 through phone, text, or website chat. They have specially trained counselors for veterans, as well.
Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Veterans can press “1” when calling
24/7 Text Line
As the 988 hotline, this texting hotline is available as a text or What’s App service only. You can contact a trained counselor 24/7 and someone from their secured platform will talk to you for as long as you need.
Text the word “TALK” to 741-741.
Veterans Crisis Line
Specifically built for our veterans, there are two main options for utilization. One option is for text only and through the separate website, you may also find options for phone, text, email, or online chatbot.
Send a text to 838255 for immediate help
You may also visit vets4warriors.com for additional options
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a warning sign and a risk factor for one who may be at risk for suicidal ideations. Furthermore, such substances have the ability to alter your mood and create a superstorm of negative emotions and impulsivity. If you are suffering from mental health issues and substance use, SAMHSA has a 24/7 line for individuals, families, and others within a support system to call for crisis support, referrals, support groups, and community organizations.
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit samhsa.gov/find-treatment
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Through a secure connection, the RAINN hotline believes that your privacy is crucial and encourages you to get yourself into a safe space right away. Sexual assault may cause one to have extreme emotional, psychological, and physical repercussions. You may receive support via phone, mobile app, or online chatbot.
Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org/online
Teen Dating Abuse Hotline
If you are seeking to set boundaries or receive crisis help for yourself or a loved one, Love is Respect allows you to reach confidential support 24/7 through phone, text, or an online chatbot. Additional information regarding dating safety and healthy relationships is available. You also have the option to sign up as a supportive peer to help others.
Call 1-866-331-9474 or visit loveisrespect.org
LGBTQ Crisis Hotline
The Trevor Hotline aims to support LGBTQ youth 24/7 through phone, text, or online chat. You may find a trained counselor to speak about suicidal ideations, sexual orientation, gender identity, community resources, and other unrelated mental health issues. There are also a variety of helpful articles available, as well.
Call 1-866-488-7386 or visit thetrevorproject.org (Reference 3)
Prevention Starts with MHT
Diagnostic screening assessments, such as the one here at MHT, allow physicians to diagnose mental health conditions early—essentially providing patients with effective treatment with the ultimate goal of drastic cuts to our country’s suicide rates.
When you choose to work with Mental Health Technologies, you:
Test for a wide range of mental health disorders
Automate referral processes
Provide fast and effective treatment to your patient(s)
Simplify administrative tasks
Document insurance claims
Increase revenue
Remain in the know with subsequent assessment results
Click here to speak with one of our highly knowledgeable team members and learn more about how the MHT assessment tool can help you to help your patients.
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