September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. It coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day which is September 10th. This month’ recognition emerged from the establishment of World Suicide Prevention Day by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in 2003. The IASP and the World Health Organization (WHO) joined forces to establish this day worldwide. In 2008 September was designated as National Suicide Prevention Month.
Throughout this month I will post about suicide. My intention is to bring hope to the darkness of suicide. I realize that this topic can be a trigger. Please read with care and know that there are organizations that can help. If you are considering suicide or are in crisis, please reach out for help. 988 is a helpline that you can reach out to at any time. I will include a reminder that 988 exists to help in every post this month. Not every post this month will be about suicide. That would be too much, but I do want to bring light and understanding to this topic.
Let’s start by defining some terms related to suicide. Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life. It includes intentionality and is self-directed. A suicide attempt is a self-directed, potentially injurious act where the person intends to die, but survives. Suicidal ideation is the act of thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. Self-harm involves intentionally harming oneself without the intent to die.
The language we use when talking about suicide is important. We should not say that a person “committed suicide”. This wording has a negative connotation. It insinuates that the person committed a crime. Instead, we should use phrases such as “died by suicide”. This is more neutral and takes away the idea that it was a criminal action. It takes away the idea that the suicide was the person’s fault.
It is important to understand that suicide is a result of illness. It is not attention seeking. It is not a sign of weakness. Suicide is not selfish. Suicide is a result of mental illness. Suicidal ideation needs to be taken seriously. Intervention is necessary when a person is having suicidal thoughts or expressing suicidal ideation. There is help. As a starting point the following numbers can be contacted:
· In the U.S., you can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7.
· In the UK, you can contact Samaritans at 116 123, available 24/7.
· In Canada, you can call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566.
Other important resources include your primary care provider, who can refer you to
mental health providers. If you already have a mental health provider such as a therapist, counselor, psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychologist, or psychiatrist you can discuss your thoughts with that person. You can go to the nearest emergency room. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Organizations such as NAMI have helplines (NAMI Warmlines Directory).
If you experience suicidal ideation or have attempted suicide, a safety plan is important. You can read an article I wrote for Recover.com on safety plans here: Creating a Safety Plan for Times of Suicidal Crisis.
Suicide Prevention Month is intended to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding suicide. This month I hope that I can share information and personal experience that will help others. These posts will be published on Mondays and Thursdays this month. I will mix in some other topics. As I end this post, I want to leave you with the thought that even in the darkest of moments there is hope. Reach out for help if you are struggling. Remember 988 is a hotline that can help you 24/7.
Good info. Thanks
ReplyDeleteYou’re welcome.
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