September is National Suicide Prevention Month, with extra emphasis on this life-threatening issue during the week of September 8-14, National Suicide Prevention Week, and September 10, National Suicide Prevention Day.
Death by suicide is a quiet epidemic, particularly among younger people – numbers don’t lie: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34, the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44, in 2022.
Have we got your attention?
Often, suicide ideation (contemplating suicide) is fraught with guilt and shame, particularly if there is an underlying issue, such as addiction (over 50 percent of all suicides are associated with alcohol and drug dependence, according to the National Institute of Health), or if one is struggling with their sexuality or experiencing gender dysphoria (LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers, according to the Trevor Project, a 2024 U.S. national survey on LGBQT+ young people; please note that LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently prone to higher suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, they are deemed at higher risk because of how they can be mistreated and stigmatized in society – so be kind).
People contemplating suicide frequently feel isolated. They also may exhibit behavior that experts say are warning signs. You can help by recognizing the signs (outlined below), both for yourself, if you’re struggling, or for others who are in need, by contacting a mental health professional in your community. But if you or a loved one needs crisis support immediately, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline. Para ayuda en español, llame al 988.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health and other experts, warning signs of suicide may include:
Talking about:
- wanting to die
- having a lot of guilt or shame
- being a burden to others
Feeling:
- empty, hopeless, helpless, trapped, or having no reason to live
- extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
- unbearable emotional or physical pain
Changing behavior, such as:
- making a plan or researching ways to die
- withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
- taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
- displaying extreme mood swings
- eating or sleeping more or less
- neglect of work, appearance, or hygiene
- using drugs or alcohol more often
If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org
This information is for educational purposes. Please consult your physician regarding any medical issues. The Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast (VNA) is committed to bringing trusted and quality home health, private care and hospice to Indian River County patients. For more information about VNA services, call 772-567-5551 or visit www.vnatc.com.
