September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicidal thoughts can affect any person, no matter age, gender, or background. Unfortunately, it is hard for people to discuss intrusive thoughts, but, as a society this month we celebrate the journey of bringing awareness to suicide and mental health. 

Suicide prevention does not stop once September is over. Suicide statistics will keep rising. As a society, normalizing conversations about suicide or suicidal thoughts can help in preventing suicide. 

Ways you can get yourself help if you are having intrusive thoughts: prioritize safety (remove any dangerous objects and find a safe place), call a crisis line (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline -988 ), and reach out to a loved one (this can be a family member, a friend, a counselor, a teacher, etc). 

Suicide is real, if you know anyone, or are struggling yourself with intrusive thoughts, please talk to someone. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with 45,979 deaths in 2020. This is about one death every 11 minutes.” 

Kindness can go a long way; check up on your friends, be aware, not only for the month of September, but forever. 

Ways you can help a friend struggling: show you care (their feelings are validated and important), look for signs (educate yourself on signs of suicidal thoughts), pay attention (be aware of their surroundings, watch their body language), and encourage finding professional help (suggest talking to a counselor). 

Once again, suicide and suicidal thoughts are very real. Together, we can prevent suicide by taking steps as a society to normalize conversation about suicide, spread kindness, and validate and accept feelings.