In 2008, September was named Suicide Prevention Month, and since then it has continuously been a month full of support and awareness for all those who struggle with suicide, and all those who have been affected by it. It brings awareness to the many lives lost to suicide as well as creating systems and methods for helping those who suffer.
Sadly the stereotyping and stigmas associated with suicide make it incredibly hard for those suffering from suicidal ideation and self-harm to come forward about their trouble and seek help. Suicide itself is viewed as sad, whereas suicidal ideation is seen as selfish and attention-seeking. Stereotyping such as this creates a bubble around a person suffering where they feel alone and unsupported, sending them farther down the road of depression and suicide.
In 2022 alone, around 50,000 people committed suicide in America, the majority being middle-aged people specifically men according to the CDC. The second most affected group is elderly people quickly followed by youths whose suicide rate spiked horrifically with the ever-expanding media platforms, due to large-scale cyberbullying.
Suicide leaves a lasting effect on those around the people who are suffering. Both by seeing a loved one be so very low and feeling unable to help someone who is struggling so largely with something so dangerous and widespread. Suicide harms the whole community not just the person’s community.
Suicide isn’t always an apparent struggle for people and often time is a more internal struggle than one present on the outside. Because of that, it is always important to look for the warning signs; talking about/making plans for suicide, increased agitation and or anxieties, depressing and self-demeaning talks, increased use/abuse of drugs or alcohol, sleeping either far too much or too little, withdraw from friendships and overall community.
Any- and everyone can help in the prevention of suicide either by being a shoulder to cry on or a listener for someone in need. Everyone needs someone at some point in time and volunteering is an amazing way to show and give support to not only the people currently suffering but also the foundations and organizations put in place to help anyone in need.
There are several volunteer opportunities and activities to help with suicide prevention, especially throughout September. Many of these activities range in engagement and dedication there are things like Out of The Darkness Community Walks one of which was held at the Paddlehead stadium on Sept. 9 where $61,962 was donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
They are still taking donations, and it is an amazing way to show support for those in need if you cannot support them in person. There will be another walk in Kalispell on Sept. 24. Check the website American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for locations and donation details. Another suicide prevention opportunity is the 24/7, 365 suicide hotline which is always taking volunteers.
Alone one person cannot always help someone suffering especially as young adults, the best course of action if you or someone you know is suffering from depression, self-harm, or suicidal ideation is to tell a trusted adult. The world may never not see an overall end to suicide but by working as a community and showing support everyone can help to lessen it.
