National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month: Checking in on Each Other

Odds are, you or someone you know has been affected by suicide with almost 50,000 people taking their own lives each year in America. With this being a prevalent issue, each September we honor those who lost their lives in a battle with mental health and those who continue to move forward in spite of these struggles. National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month calls us to check in with each other, reach out for help when you need it, support those experiencing suicidal thoughts, and acknowledge the impact suicide has had on our communities. 

3 R’s of Suicide Prevention

Along with general mental illness awareness initiatives, the 3 R’s were crafted to assist in preventing suicide and help you be able to discern when someone around you needs help. Teaching this method in schools and other public arenas can be a difference maker in communities. Learn about each of the R’s below.

Recognize

Learning how to recognize when someone is in distress and needs support is integral to suicide prevention. Are they more closed off? Presenting themselves differently? Putting in less effort for their appearance or tasks they typically enjoy? Isolating themselves? Mentioning they stopped medication or therapy? Are they lacking or exaggerating emotions? Do they have visible bruises, cuts, or other new injuries? All of these behaviors, especially in tandem, are clues that they may be struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis. By being observant and noticing these changes, you can find a proper way to respond with support. 

Respond

One of the main points of responding to these worrying signs is leading with empathy. Interventions can be overwhelming and counterproductive in some cases, so addressing it one-on-one can show that you truly care about the person. Opening the floor to let them share what they’re struggling with in a safe space can help them feel less alone and take steps to feel better. You can also share any similar experiences you’ve had and how you came out on the other side. This can also clue you in on how severe their feelings are so you can help guide them to a professional.

Refer

The final step in this framework is to refer them to a professional who will know the best route to take to help them. This step is integral because the professional will know when and if it’s time to make more deliberate and intensive moves. This could be the difference maker in someone’s life, so helping them find a provider who can help is key to suicide prevention. Seeking professional help for mental health can help break the stigma for themself and make strides toward getting better.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

A resource that is always available if you or someone you know is dealing with suicide ideation is the national suicide hotline, reachable by dialing 988. This connects callers with a professional, in English or Spanish, who is trained to talk with someone experiencing a mental health crisis and has the facilities to help. The hotline is active 24 hours a day to deescalate and aid those who are struggling.

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Having Someone to Turn to

One way you can be involved in National Suicide Awareness Month is by tabling, donating, posting, volunteering, or even mentoring. You can hand out the teal and purple suicide awareness ribbon in public places like college campuses, grocery stores, or places of worship. Posting on social media or sharing with friends about events happening in your community to support those struggling with suicidal thoughts can make a difference. Mentoring is another great opportunity, offering young people someone to turn to if they experience a mental health crisis. The benefits of mentorship go beyond companionship and counseling, often helping young people stay out of legal trouble and in school. Learn more about youth mentorship programs with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada to get involved.

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Observe National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month this September by being informed and checking in on those around you. 

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