National Suicide Prevention Month: History, Purpose & Awareness Tips

When is National Suicide Prevention Month

National Suicide Prevention Month takes place in September with a mission to reflect on how we can best support those who are struggling.

National Suicide Prevention Month

All Information related to the National Suicide Prevention Month Event, Date, Day, Significance & Observed countries is given below.

National Suicide Prevention Month Purpose

• September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it's a time to reflect on how we can best support those who are struggling
• People often decide that suicide is a one-time event and then go on with the rest of their lives.
• This can't be further from the truth. Many people battling with depression, low self-esteem, or even just a rough time will at least entertain the idea of suicide at some point.
• And while every story is different, there are some common misconceptions that should be cleared up as to how we can keep them alive.

National Suicide Prevention Month Importance

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it's a time to reflect on how we can best support those who are struggling.

Suicide is a problem that affects people of all ages, and it's important to talk about it openly in order to destigmatize mental illness and build a support network for those who need it.

National Suicide Prevention Month Tips

There are many ways to get involved in Suicide Prevention Month. Here are some ideas:

1. Reach out to someone you know who might be struggling. Just checking in and letting them know that you care can make a big difference.
2. Volunteer with or donate to a local suicide prevention organization. These groups do important work year-round, and your support can help them continue their efforts.
3. Share information about suicide prevention resources on social media or with your personal network. Helping others understand where they can turn for help if they're struggling can be lifesaving.
4. Advocate for better access to mental health care and suicide prevention resources in your community. There is still much work to be done in this area, and your voice can make a difference.
5. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and take care of your own mental health. This isn't always easy, but it's essential if we want to be there for others when they need us most.

National Suicide Prevention Month Celebration Ideas

• Wear purple, use the hashtag #SBPM2018
• Celebrate Suicide Prevention Month by wearing purple and using the hashtag #SBPM2018.
• Suicide Prevention Month is an annual event that takes place in September. The monthlong observance is designed to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health.
• There are many ways to get involved in Suicide Prevention Month. One way is to wear purple.
• Purple is the color of suicide prevention awareness, so wearing it during Suicide Prevention Month is a great way to show your support for the cause.
• You can also use the hashtag #SBPM2018 when sharing information about suicide prevention on social media.
• This will help raise awareness and start important conversations about this issue.

National Suicide Prevention Month Tips

• How to Provide Awareness: Make cards for people you think are struggling in your life.
• Write inspirational quotes, give them a hug and a high five, or send them an email inbox with love, hope, and kindness
• If you think someone in your life is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are several things you can do to offer support and awareness.
• One way to show your support is to make cards for the person, with inspirational quotes or kind messages.
• You could also give them a hug or high five as a gesture of support.
• Another way to reach out is to send them an email inbox full of love, hope, and kindness.
• By letting the person know that you care about them and are there for them, you can help provide some much-needed support during a difficult time.

National Suicide Prevention Month Significance

• It is estimated that suicide kills more people than war. In the United States alone, suicide kills more people than car accidents.
• Suicide is a problem that does not discriminate.
• The myth that only certain types of people are suicidal is just that – a myth.
• Suicide does not respect age, race, gender, or social class.
• Each year, suicide prevention month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about this important issue and to promote ways to prevent suicide.
• One of the best ways to offer awareness is to talk about it.
• By starting the conversation, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicidal thoughts, and let those struggling know they are not alone.
• If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help.
• You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with them online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.

10 Facts about Suicide Prevention Month

1. Suicide Prevention Month is observed in September in the United States.
2. The goal of Suicide Prevention Month is to raise awareness about suicide and its prevention.
3. Suicide is a problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
4. Suicide is preventable, and there are many resources available to those who are struggling.
5. Warning signs of suicide include talking about wanting to die or hurt oneself, expressing feelings of hopelessness, talking about being a burden to others, increasing alcohol or drug abuse, withdrawing from friends and activities, abnormal mood swings, and giving away prized possessions.
6. If someone you know is exhibiting these warning signs, don’t leave them alone, and be sure to get help from a professional if necessary.
7. There are many ways to get involved in suicide prevention including volunteering for a local crisis center or raising money for research and education initiatives.
8. For more information on suicide prevention, please visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org .
9. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources for loved ones.
10.  You can also call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

History of Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and while it may seem like a downer of a topic, raising awareness about suicide and its warning signs can save lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, suicide kills more people than homicide. 

There are many reasons why someone might feel suicidal. Reasons can include things like feeling like a burden to others, experiencing financial problems, or going through relationship difficulties. People who have lost a loved one to suicide or who have mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may also be at risk for suicide. 

Warning signs that someone might be considering suicide include talking about wanting to die or hurt oneself, expressing feelings of hopelessness, talking about being a burden to others, increasing alcohol or drug abuse, withdrawing from friends and activities, abnormal mood swings, and giving away prized possessions. 

If you are concerned that someone you know might be considering suicide, don’t leave him or her alone. Remove any firearms or other potential means of self-harm from the vicinity. Then call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to talk with you about what you’re going through and how to get help.

National Suicide Prevention Month Differences

• In September, mental health advocates across the country are coming together to offer support and resources during Suicide Prevention Month.
• With suicide rates rising in the United States, it’s more important than ever to talk about ways we can all work together to prevent suicide.
• There are many things you can do to make a difference during Suicide Prevention Month. Here are a few ideas:

1. Reach out to someone you know who may be struggling. Just knowing that someone cares can make a big difference.
2. Educate yourself and others about the warning signs of suicide and how to get help. The more people know about suicide prevention, the more lives we can save.
3. Show your support for suicide prevention on social media and in your community. Use hashtags like #StopSuicide and #BeThe1To to raise awareness.
4. Make a donation to a local or national suicide prevention organization. Your support can help them provide lifesaving resources and education to those who need it most.
5. Most importantly, always remember that there is hope. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help immediately by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by visiting their website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline

National Suicide Prevention Month Resources

In September, many organizations offer support for suicide prevention. Here are some resources for Suicide Prevention Month:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for loved ones. You can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or chat online with a counselor.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support and education to those affected by mental illness. NAMI also has a helpline that provides information and referral services, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can reach them at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. They offer resources for survivors of suicide loss, as well as ways to get involved in the fight against suicide.

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.