SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH - WALK OUT OF DARKNESS
Suicide awareness has become an essential topic in today's society, as mental health concerns continue to affect millions of people around the world. Recognizing the signs of suicide, promoting open discussions about mental health, and providing support can make a significant difference in saving lives. September, designated as Suicide Prevention Month, serves as a critical time to raise awareness and discuss this highly stigmatized topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
September’s designation as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month underscores the urgency of addressing the global epidemic of suicide. During this month, individuals, organizations and communities come together to shed light on the staggering statistics and to spread messages of hope and help. It serves as a reminder that suicide is preventable and that seeking help is crucial.
Understanding Warning Signs
One of the fundamental aspects of suicide prevention is understanding the warning signs that someone may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. These signs can vary but may include:
Expressing Hopelessness: Individuals might consistently express feelings of hopelessness or a belief that things will never improve.
Withdrawal: A sudden withdrawal from social activities, relationships and hobbies can be a sign that someone is struggling.
Drastic Mood Swings: Severe and rapid changes in mood, particularly from despair to calmness, could indicate a decision to end their life.
Talking about Death: Frequent discussions about death, dying or wanting to end one's life should not be ignored.
Giving Away Possessions: Someone planning suicide might start giving away their belongings, as if preparing for an imminent departure.
Increased Substance Use: Escalating use of drugs or alcohol can be a coping mechanism for underlying emotional pain.
Sudden Improvement: Sometimes individuals who have been deeply depressed might show sudden signs of improvement. Paradoxically, this could indicate that they have decided to end their life and feel a sense of relief.
Extending a Helping Hand
While identifying warning signs is vital, it's equally important to know how to provide support to those in need. Here are some steps you can take:
Initiate a Conversation: If you're concerned about someone, express your care and willingness to listen. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their feelings.
Be Non-Judgmental: Create a safe space where they can openly discuss their struggles without fear of judgment.
Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest that they seek help from a mental health professional. Offer to assist in finding resources or making appointments.
Stay Connected: Regularly check in on them and remind them that you're there for them. Loneliness can exacerbate feelings of despair.
Remove Means: If someone is in immediate danger, take steps to ensure they don't have access to harmful objects or substances.
Involve Trusted Individuals: Reach out to their friends, family members or other trusted individuals who can provide additional support.
Educate Yourself: Learn about local mental health resources, hotlines and crisis intervention services that can provide assistance.
Avoid Promises of Secrecy: If they share their thoughts of suicide, don't promise to keep it a secret. Their safety should be the top priority.
Suicide awareness and prevention goes beyond just acknowledging the issue; it involves understanding the warning signs and knowing how to provide support to those in need. September, as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, offers an opportunity for society to unite in promoting mental health discussions and breaking the stigma surrounding suicide. By fostering an environment of empathy, understanding and open dialogue, we can collectively work toward preventing suicide and saving lives. Remember, a simple act of reaching out and listening can make a significant impact on someone's journey toward healing.
The “Out of Darkness Walk to Fight Suicide” is scheduled for Saturday morning, Sept. 23, at A.C. Williams Granite Creek Park, 554 6th St., in Prescott. Registration starts at 9 a.m. The event begins at 10 a.m. For more information, go to https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=8997
To find out more about our services at Polara Health, please call 928-445-5211, go to our website www.polarahealth.com or walk through our doors at the Crisis Stabilization Unit at 8655 E. Eastridge Drive in Prescott Valley.
Remember, 988 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.
Trained counselors provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and connect them to resources. Call or text 988 anytime.