Suicide Prevention – Let’s Get the Facts
Welcome to what will be the first many posts here on the HIKE for Mental Health blog this week. This is National Suicide Prevention Week and we are doing our part to help prevent suicides by bringing awareness to this crisis and providing resources this week. Today it is all about the facts. So, let’s get into it.
Did you know? Facts & Stats
According to research conducted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, on average, there are 130 deaths by suicide every day. It is the 10th leading cause of death in America AND it is the 2nd leading cause of death for people among the ages of 10-34. In 2019, 47,511 people died by suicide and it is estimated that 1.38 million attempted suicide. Currently suicide is considered an illegal act in 25 countries. (If you’d like to fact check, please check out the CDC research reported by AFSP and IASP. You will be hearing more about these two organizations this week.)
Did you know? Contributing Factors
A person does not have to be diagnosed with a mental illness to have suicidal thinking. While having a serious mental health condition like major depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder does increase the risk of having suicidal thinking, it is not a necessary requirement. Oftentimes suicidal thinking can be present after a recent, significant loss. This can be the loss of a loved one, a loss in social status, and job loss. It’s important to know that because suicide is complex, there’s usually never one single reason a person attempts to end his or her life.
Did you know? Available Resources
If you or someone you love or care about is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know there is hope. There are people who care and there are several resources available to help. Below you will find several links and phone numbers of organizations that are prepared to offer hope, help, and guidance for next steps. Please reach out to any of them if you are struggling.
There is also an online chat option available at:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1-866-488-7386
You can also text START to 678-678
There is also an online chat option available at:
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
Text TALK to 741-741
1-877-565-8860
https://translifeline.org/hotline/
There is also an online chat option available at:
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/text