Suicide Prevention

With September being Suicide Prevention Month, it’s important to talk about the factors that increase the risk of suicide in order to enhance resilience as well as educate the public on suicide in the United States.

There are many factors that put one at an increased risk for suicide on mutliple levels. Individual risk factors include a history of depression, victimization, financial difficulties, and chronic pain. Relationship risk factors can include loss of relationships or intimate partner violence, while community risk factors include a lack of healthcare, a history of trauma, and discrimination. Lastly, societal risk factors include feeling a sense of shame for seeking help and access to means of suicide when at risk. 

Many individuals believe that suicide is not an issue in the United States, however it is a leading cause of death and has become a serious public health concern. Because of this, it’s important to address the rate of which suicide is committed in the United States because if we do not talk about it the numbers will only continue to grow. Individuals struggling with suicidal ideation or tendencies deserve to be informed on the tools they can utilize to help them overcome this battle. 

Anyone who is struggling with suicidal ideation or tendencies should immediately seek help from a therapist and confide in someone they love and trust. If one believes they are in immediate danger to themselves, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is available 24/7. If someone close to you has confided they are suicidal, make sure you are listening while being sympathetic as well as taking them seriously. Those at risk for committing suicide do not need to be blamed or argued with, instead be a helping hand through this extremely hard time they are enduring. 

Everyone deserves to live a happy and healthy life, nobody should ever endure pain alone. If you are struggling with suicidal ideation or tendencies, call 988 for help and get set up with a therapist today. Life is worth living, and we are committed to helping you grow in every area of your life.