September is known as National Suicide Prevention Month. This month is a time to advocate for mental health through prevention organizations, survivors’ stories, local supporters, and community members. September is also a time to educate people about this severely stigmatized subject. The goal is to spread hope and information to people affected by suicide, while changing negative public perceptions.
Suicide Prevention Month offers a period for people to rally around a challenging subject with passion and strength. Open discussions about mental health issues and suicide are a preventative measure. It takes one phone call to check someone’s mental health and prevent them from considering suicide. 90% of people who die by suicide have potentially treatable mental health conditions.
One high-risk population is LGTBQ+ youth. 41% of LGBTQ+ youth experience serious thoughts of suicide. Additionally, transgender adults are nearly nine times more likely to commit suicide when compared to the general population. 13% of young adults aged 18-25 have considered suicide as well. This prevention month aims to decrease high suicide numbers and prevent people from considering suicide.
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing any mental crisis, immediately call or text 988. You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected with a free trained crisis professional on the Crisis Text Line.
Nami California Mt. Eden Club, which supports students’ mental health and the stigma surrounding it. Check out @ncme.offical on Instagram for more updates or speak to the advisor, Mrs. Butler, in L3.
