It is estimated that a staggering 10% of adolescents, grades nine through 12, have made at least one suicide attempt, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. But this narrative can change and the tragic number should serve as a constant reminder of the urgency to raise awareness and take action.
Sept. 1 marks the beginning of suicide prevention month, a crucial time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of suicide and mental health care.
Being a worldwide epidemic, suicide takes approximately 700,000 lives annually and counting. The primary root of this issue stems from the often dismissed warning signs and risk signals exhibited by potential victims. Social withdrawal and death-related discussions are just a few of the most notable indicators of such behavior.
It’s important to note that help is available for individuals going through these fatal emotions. Although some may question the effectiveness of these interventions, the National Library of Medicine insists that these precautious interventions are exceptional in preventing attempted suicides. However, further research is required into the risk assessment for completed versus attempted suicide, as the preferred intervention strategy isn’t the same when considering all possible outcomes; meaning that there’s an active effort to enhance the effectiveness of suicide prevention even further.
“I feel that Suicide Prevention Month is very important because it raises awareness about mental health, and, of course, preventing suicides,” Assistant Principal Jo Dee Lott said. “By highlighting these issues in a more universal arena. It allows us to foster conversations about mental health, emotional disorders, and about suicide.
Despite having all of these measures set in stone worldwide, there are ongoing myths and misconceptions regarding suicide.
For starters, many believe that those who voice their suicidal tendencies are seeking attention when it’s quite the opposite.
Those who are contemplating suicide typically give warning signals, that are to be taken seriously and dismissal of them could result in serious consequences; which is why it’s important to bring awareness to these issues during and after the commemorative month.
“[We] can raise and spread awareness to save lives through outlets like mental health [conversations] and through the 988 suicide crisis line number,” Professional Counsuler Shauna McClain said. “You know, we just want to be the one to help heal, change and save lives.”
Additionally, it is misapprehended that suicide happens “without warning.” Once again, this information isn’t accurate; doubling back to the warning signals, it’s important to understand that withdrawal from certain activities and discussions regarding death could hint toward fatal intentions.
“[This month] helps reduce the stigma that when somebody is struggling, that they’re weak,” Lott said. “It helps put in the forefront that it is normal to stress, to have anxiety, [and] to need some sort of resource every now and then.”
Through the proper use of these preventional outlets and resources, we can collectively reduce the number of suicide attempts for good.
