SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH
September marks Suicide Awareness & Prevention Month, a crucial time to shed light on the importance of mental health and the devastating effects of suicide. Suicide affects families, friends, and communities. Understanding and knowing how to provide support can make a profound difference in someone's life.
The Impact of Suicide in Arizona
Suicide is a significant public health issue in Arizona. According to data from the Arizona Department of Health Services, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in the state. In 2021 alone, 1,463 Arizonans lost their lives to suicide. This represents a troubling trend, especially among certain age groups and populations:
Youth and young adults (15-24) are particularly at risk, with suicide being the second leading cause of death in this age group.
Veterans and military personnel in Arizona face higher rates of suicide compared to the general population, partly due to factors like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and difficulties transitioning to civilian life.
Native American communities have also seen elevated suicide rates, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate mental health resources.
While these statistics may be sobering, they also emphasize the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and support.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
One of the most important things we can do during Suicide Awareness Month is to learn how to recognize the warning signs of someone who may be at risk. These signs can vary from person to person, but common indicators include:
Talking about wanting to die or expressing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities they used to enjoy.
Changes in behavior or mood, including increased irritability, anxiety, or anger.
Giving away possessions or talking about feeling like a burden to others.
Engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or reckless driving.
If someone exhibits one or more of these signs, it’s important to take them seriously and offer support.
How to Support Someone at Risk
When someone you know is struggling, you may feel uncertain about how to help. Here are some ways to offer support:
Start the conversation: Sometimes, just asking how someone is feeling can open the door to a deeper conversation about their emotional state. Express concern without judgment and listen more than you talk. You don’t need to have all the answers—simply being there can be a lifeline.
Encourage professional help: Encourage the individual to seek support from a mental health professional. In Arizona, resources such as Polara Health and the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 offer crisis intervention and ongoing care.
Offer practical assistance: Whether it’s helping with daily tasks or accompanying them to a counseling appointment, offering tangible support can ease the burden on someone who may feel overwhelmed.
Stay connected: Regular check-ins via text, phone calls, or in-person visits show that you care and are invested in their well-being. Maintaining a consistent presence can help them feel less isolated.
Know the crisis resources available in our community. If the situation is urgent, knowing where to turn can save a life.
988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a critical resource for those in immediate need with trained professionals available to answer your call or text.
Polara Health Crisis Stabilization Unit is open 24/7 to anyone experiencing a crisis. Located in Prescott Valley at 8655 E. Eastridge Drive. Our crisis navigators are there to help you, your loved ones and friends.
911 – For ALL emergencies
Prevention Starts with Us
As individuals and as a community, we all play a role in suicide prevention. Raising awareness, reducing stigma around mental health, and being proactive in supporting others can create a culture of care and empathy. Arizona’s high suicide rates are a call to action, but they also present an opportunity for positive change.
This Suicide Awareness Month, let’s commit to learning more about mental health, supporting those around us, and ensuring that every Arizonan feels seen, heard, and supported. Whether it’s through small gestures of kindness or guiding someone toward professional help, together we can make a difference.