September is arguably one of the most important and one of the hardest months for not only myself but so many others in the world.
September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month and Sept. 10 is specially designated to raise awareness of what suicide is, and how we as individuals can take steps going forward to prevent it.
So for those who are unaware of what suicide is, it is “the act of intentionally causing one’s death.” Suicide is a leading cause of death in America, and typically people who either attempt or are successful with their attempts typically engage in this act because they feel hopeless or alone.
Some common causes of suicide can range anywhere from bullying, different types of abuse, ends of relationships, long-term injuries or sicknesses, money problems, feeling inadequate or a failure, etc…
For high school students, the most common causes are bullying, loneliness, feelings of failure, relationships, or friendships. Some people act perfectly fine, but when they are alone they are not fine.
From my struggles and battles with mental health and suicidal ideation, I have learned that a lot of people who struggle with depression or anxiety also battle suicidal thoughts internally. However, not everyone who is suicidal is diagnosed with any form of mental illness.
If you ever notice someone who all of a sudden starts to talk obsessively about wanting to die, guilt or shame, or most importantly, being a burden to others, then you should be concerned.
Some people in the world feel so alone or hopeless, but they suffer in silence because they are afraid of becoming a burden to others. It’s hard to change a mindset like that, especially from an outsider like a loved one or a friend, but it is an even more difficult challenge to change that mindset when you have been battling it for so long.
One way we can help those around us who feel like they are a burden is consistency. Constantly remind those around you that you love and care about them. Open up a conversation about mental health struggles with your family or friends, and welcome them into a safe place to be open about their struggles.
Some who attempt or commit suicide feel empty, hopeless, and trapped, with severe sadness, increased anxiety, agitation, and unbearable emotional or physical pain. They may make a plan or research ways to die. They may display extreme mood swings, withdraw from friends, say goodbye, take dangerous risks, or cause harm to themselves.
Self-harm can come in many different forms such as cutting, starving, dehydrating yourself, burning, or beating yourself up physically. If you notice any form of a self-harm mark on anyone the first step is to go to a trustworthy adult like a parent, a teacher or a guidance counselor.
Keeping that information to yourself is extremely unhealthy, and you can not protect your loved one by keeping it in. It may make the person upset, but in the end, your loved one will get help, and be kept safe.
After you ensure that an adult is aware of the situation, check in with your loved one and just be a constant support for them. Make them aware that you care about them, and that you are always there for them, but here comes the tricky part.
Initially, your loved one may be upset with you, but just consistently remind them of how much you care, and explain to them how much they mean to you, how important their presence in this world means to you, and that you just want them to be safe.
There may come a time when your loved one is just struggling beyond what you can handle without a professional getting involved. It is a hard truth, but it is a lot of weight to have when you have a loved one who struggles. That doesn’t mean that the loved one is a burden, it just means that they need some extra help and support which is okay! Getting your loved one professional help and support releases some of that unhealthy weight because you know they are getting help, and are safe.
One of the most important things to remember is that your loved one may feel abandoned by you which is not the case. So here is what you do: still let them know verbally every day that you care and love them. Hug them, send them a text just still support them in simple ways because those simple actions and words will comfort your loved one so much more than you could ever expect!
In 2022, 49,476 United States citizens passed away due to suicide. 1.6 million Americans attempted suicide, and 135 suicide deaths were averaged daily, according to “Learn Suicide Satistics” on the website save.org.
The same site also provided other facts about suicide.
One of those facts that is often overlooked is mental health in the male population of not just America, but the whole world. Men are always stereotyped to be the “strong” ones who do not have any struggles.
However, in 2022 the suicide rate in men was four times higher than the rate of females. Men make up about 50 percent of the United States, and sadly about 80 percent of the suicide rates.
About 23.8 percent out of 100,000 men lose their battle to suicide while only about 6.1 percent out of 100,000 females fall to suicide.
All of these statistics are extremely saddening and to an extent, frustrating. No one should feel like the only way to end their pain and suffering is through ending their own life. We as a community need to be there for one another. We need to look out and care for another as we would ourselves. We need to include people and love one another as ourselves. We need to make sure no one feels alone, and we need to get people the help they deserve to ensure their safety.
The sad truth is that our world is slowly falling apart, but that doesn’t mean we as people should fall with it. We need to come together as one and help each other out. We can lower the statistics but we can’t do it alone. The only way we can make it happen is if we choose kindness and love.
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