September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness and discuss this highly stigmatized topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
Nearly 50,000 people died by suicide in the U.S. last year—the highest number ever recorded, according to The Associated Press. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which posted the numbers, has not yet calculated a suicide rate for the year, but available data suggests suicides are more common in the U.S. than at any time since the dawn of World War II.
There are a number of factors that contribute to suicide, including mental illness, substance abuse, and social isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these risk factors, leading to an increase in suicides in recent years.
The data is staggering. Reversing these trends won’t happen overnight, but eac
h of us can start by taking the following steps:
1️⃣ Learn the signs and risk factors of suicide.
2️⃣ Check-in on your friends and loved ones.
3️⃣ Reach out for support if you need it.
Crisis Resources
- If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
- If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
- You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
- You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
- Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide
- Being Prepared for a Crisis
- Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
- What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Adds American Sign Language Services for
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Callers
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can chat with a Lifeline counselor 24/7 by:
- For deaf or hard of hearing ASL users, call 988 Videophone – click here to read the terms of service
- Online chat
- 988 Text – Send any message to 988 to start a text conversation
For TTY Users
Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Help is available. You matter. Your life matters.
In an Emergency:
If you or a friend need urgent assistance, call 911 immediately, or take your friend directly to the emergency room. If you feel it’s safe, stay with your friend, or find someone to stay with them until help arrives.
In a Crisis:
You are never alone. Help is always available. For immediate support 24/7, reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting COALITION to 741741, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. It’s free and it’s highly confidential, unless it’s essential to contact emergency services to keep you or your friend safe.
*If you’re not sure how to talk to a friend about a mental health issue, or you don’t know what language is safe to use when describing a mental health condition, you are not alone. You can learn more at The Mental Health Coalition.*
