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
Strengthen economic supports - stable housing programs
Create protective environments - reduction in access to lethal weapons for people at risk of suicide
Improve access and delivery of suicide care - provider availability and insurance coverage for mental health benefits
Promote healthy connections
Teach coping and problem-solving skills
Identify and support people at risk
Lessen harm and prevent future risk - intervene and report suicide attempts
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/resources/prevention.html
