This is an important month. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, with September 10th being World Suicide Prevention Day. We have all been affected by suicide in one way or another, whether directly or indirectly. It is a time to remember those dear to our hearts and to raise awareness for those dealing with mental health issues and those struggling with suicidal ideation.
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reported 49,316 suicides in 2023, with an estimated 1.5 million attempts. We lost an estimated 4,109 a month, 948 a week, 135 a day, losing 5 people an hour. A lot of broken hearts.
I myself have struggled with suicidal ideation throughout my life. From a young age, I had felt lost in the world, and I felt that sense of being alone or a burden to others. Mental health has been a long-term battle, and if I had one thing to say, it would be to never lose hope. There is always another way. I was using drugs and alcohol to numb the pain. And once that stopped working, I felt there was no way out but suicide. I would drive around for hours a day, contemplating doing it. I found that finding something to hold onto, even for that moment, could get me through it. That was family. I saw the eyes of my nephew, the eyes of my sisters, and the eyes of my father. I held out for one more day. I sought out help. I turned to sobriety and extensive therapy. Many things saved my life at that point, but most of all, it was hope. A hope for a better tomorrow.
Don’t sit quietly when you’re worried about someone; speak out. They might be mad at you in the moment, but it is worth saving a life. If you know someone struggling during these times, hold on to them and don’t let go. Make sure they know they are wanted and appreciated.
There are ways to help cope with both suicidal ideation and for those impacted by losing someone to it. If someone needs to be committed to a psychiatric facility, it is okay to ask for help. When we aren’t thinking straight, it is hard to make a rational decision. Therapy, sobriety, and having people reach out helped save my life. Just remember, this too shall pass.
Love one another and check on your friends.
Call or text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for support.
For more information, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website.