September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. World Suicide Prevention Day fell on September 10th.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month was created to reduce stigma, remember those affected by it, and promote treatment and resources to help people get better.
Suicide often is a result of an underlying mental health condition. In fact, 90% of people who die by suicide are reported to have shown mental illness symptoms.
Suicide isn’t easy to talk about. Mental illness isn’t easy to talk about either. But talking about mental illness can help it become less of a taboo subject, and can normalize seeking help.
We’re raising awareness of suicide prevention to show that recovery is possible. With proper treatment, people experiencing a mental health crisis can and do get better.
How to Get Help
Know that you are not alone, and there are many resources out there to help you through.
- If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideations, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call Guild’s Maureen’s House to be screened for residential crisis services at (612) 267-5242.
- Read the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s Guide on Navigating a Mental Health Crisis.
- Reach out to your mental health care provider for help.
How to Support a Friend or Loved One
Though you may think that talking about suicide will endanger your friend or family member, research shows that the opposite is true. Talking about it and being a patient and non-judgmental listener can help reduce suicidal ideation. You can also help them find resources to get better. Keep in contact with them and continue to follow up to show that you are there to help.
If your friend or loved one has a mental health care team, encourage them to reach out to their team if they are experiencing suicidal ideations or urges. If you’re not sure where to turn, call Guild’s Community Access team: (651) 925-8490.
Learn more about ways to help:
What to do When Someone is Suicidal, Mayo Clinic.
How and Why the 5 Steps Can Help, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Risk of Suicide, National Alliance of Mental Illness.
Guild is Here
At Guild, we know what it’s like to see clients experience rock bottom and recover. Guild offers many different person-centered and innovative services, including residential treatment services for individuals in crisis. Call us at 651-291-0067 to get help today. Or, check out our mental health services.
Sources:
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Mental Health By the Numbers, National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Navigating a Mental Health Crisis, National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Risks of Suicide, National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Promote National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Suicide Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health.
What to do When Someone is Suicidal, Mayo Clinic.
How and Why the 5 Steps Can Help, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.