Mental Health

Written By Kerri Best-Sule

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

It is important to have open conversations about mental health and recognize the warning signs of suicide.

This is important as suicide is a leading cause of death for all age groups.

Based on CDC data from 2023, 1 person dies by suicide in the US ever 11 minutes*. Suicide was among the top 8 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34**.

*https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html

**https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html

What Can You Do To Help?

Follow the CDC’s Seven Strategies for Suicide Prevention

  1. Strengthen economic supports - stable housing programs

  2. Create protective environments - reduction in access to lethal weapons for people at risk of suicide

  3. Improve access and delivery of suicide care - provider availability and insurance coverage for mental health benefits

  4. Promote healthy connections

  5. Teach coping and problem-solving skills

  6. Identify and support people at risk

  7. Lessen harm and prevent future risk - intervene and report suicide attempts

https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/resources/prevention.html

Kerri Best-Sule
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