All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.
“Here to help” is an understatement at Your Local Psychiatrist. Our mission is to make sure that your mental and physical health improves to provide a better quality of life. At Your Local Psychiatrist NYC, we know that mental afflictions are just as serious as the physical ones, which is why we have a number of mental health services to make sure your mind is as sound as your body.
#BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to activities that can promote healing, help, and give hope. Here at Your Local Psychiatrist, we are here to help.
Statistics
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports, in 2017:
- Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 47,000 people.
- Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34 and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54.
- There were more than twice as many suicides (47,173) in the United States as there were homicides (19,510).
What can I do?
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline wants to help spread the word that we can all help, too. Here are some simple ways that they suggest:
Ask
Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
Be There
Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
Keep Them Safe
Several studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
Help Them Stay Connected
Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
Follow Up
Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an essential part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
Learn More
Get message kits, resources, events, and more at the official website.
If you know someone that is suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255; option 1, or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO or START to 741741).
Help us spread the facts about suicide and be a light to those that may be struggling. The National Institute of Mental Health has a brochure and fact sheet you can download and print out to share with others.
Next Steps
If you or someone you love may be experiencing symptoms of depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from your healthcare provider. In the meantime, here are some additional resources that you can use to learn more about various types of depression and treatments that are available.
- MentalHealth.gov
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Are You or a Loved One Experiencing a Crisis?
Your Local Psychiatrist NYC does not provide crisis services and is not staffed to respond to people in crisis. If you or someone you love are in crisis, below are some resources that may be helpful.
- If you are in danger or are having a health- or mental health-related emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- If you or someone you love are contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), En Español 1-888-628-9454, for support
- If you are experiencing a crisis, text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to reach a trained crisis counselor with the Crisis Text Line.
*Statistics are taken from the National Institute of Mental Health.
