September 4–10 is National Suicide Prevention Week. It’s an opportunity for organizations everywhere to bring greater awareness to suicide—and suicide prevention. By discussing this topic and sharing information, we can reduce the silence and stigma surrounding suicide—and encourage more people to get the support they need.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. Nearly 80% of those who die by suicide are men. However, women are more likely to make suicide attempts.
Among young people, suicide is the second leading cause of death for those aged 10–14 and the third leading cause for those aged 15-24.
Of those who died by suicide, 46% had a mental health condition. However, further research shows that 90% of them may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition without receiving a diagnosis or treatment.
The importance of conversations
To bring suicide rates down, it’s important to have open and honest conversations. It’s also important to dispel any myths. For example, a common misconception is that talking about suicide may increase the risk. However, studies show the opposite is true. Talking about suicide helps mobilize support, increases the likelihood of proper treatment, and sheds the stigma.
It’s also helpful to stay informed. The following information is from the AllOne Health Insights Hub.
- Trends in Mental Health (a minute-long video)
- Breaking Down Common Myths about Depression
- 5-Steps to Building Depression Awareness
Help is here
For anyone experiencing difficult emotions or for anyone looking to help a loved one who may be struggling, reach out to your Assistance Program to speak with a mental health clinician for personalized support and compassionate care.
