Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is SPAM, also known as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness of the stigmatized and too often joked about topic. If you’re like me, you may have had a friend joke about killing themselves, you took it lightheartedly, and it resulted in death by suicide. Unfortunately, I have seen this happen firsthand, and the reality is: it is not fun.

Let me breakdown a few facts around suicide for you…

Individually,

• 79% of all people who die by suicide are male

• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in the U.S.

• Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.

• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition, but research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition

Community wise,

• Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide by U.S. demographic group:

  • 4.9% of all adults

  • 11.3% of young adults aged 18-25

  • 18.8% of high school students

  • 45% of LGBTQIA+ youth

• The highest rate of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Natives followed by non-Hispanic whites

• Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are nearly 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth

• Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population

• Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails

Data from CDC, NIMH, and other select sources

If you’re having thoughts of suicide, whether they are fleeting or have been around for some time, you are likely to be depressed. Certain thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be warning signs that let you know you may need help. The best thing you can do is watch for those and/or talk to someone you trust that may be able to help you.

What might be some warning signs for suicide?

Here’s a few to consider:

• You are thinking about taking your own life

• You are planning how you might attempt it

• You are talking about committing suicide

• You might feel that death is the only solution to your problems

• You are participating in risky, reckless, and/or aggressive behaviors

• You recently increased your alcohol and drug use

• You may be having dramatic mood swings

• You might be withdrawing from friends and family

If you are noticing any of these signs and are an imminent risk to yourself, go to your nearest emergency room. They will screen, assess, and get the help that you need immediately.

You can also call the 24 hour crisis hotline at 988, 800-273-TALK, or the King County WA crisis line at 866-427-4747.