Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Navigating a Mental Health Crisis

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to spread awareness and fight the stigmas surrounding an often uncomfortable topic.

#BeThe1To

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to spread awareness and fight the stigmas surrounding an often uncomfortable topic. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline empowers everyone to “#BeThe1To” not just this month but all year.

How to #BeThe1To

• Ask: Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and discussing suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
• Be There: Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
• Keep Them Safe: A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
• Help Them Stay Connected: Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
• Follow-Up: Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
• Learn More: Get message kits, resources, events, and more at the official website.

Suicide in Our Communities

Suicide doesn’t discriminate. It affects all ages, races, and communities. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Ohio youth aged 10-14. Knowing the warning signs and getting help for yourself or loved ones could save a life.

Warning Signs

If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, please seek help by calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or online chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

Support at home

After seeking professional help, there is a lot that you can do to help support loved ones struggling with suicidal thoughts.

• Listen—even when they’re not talking
• Realize they might be struggling with mental health concerns that are causing these thoughts
• Don’t dismiss their struggles as an age-based phase
• Respond with empathy and understanding
• Remove and secure all potentially harmful items and substances at home
• Focus on surrounding them with a narrative of hope
• Encourage them to interact with friends and loved ones
• Promote healthy lifestyle habits and exercise
• Encourage balance and moderation
• Remind yourself and them that healing takes time