For those of you who did not know, September is Suicide Prevention Month. A time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. September 2020 also marks three months since my best friend lost her husband and her son lost his dad, Brian. Three years since my sister-in-law lost her son and my niece lost her brother, Brandon. Sixteen years since my (bonus) daughter and her brother lost their mother, Melissa. In honor of them and thousands of lives effected by mental health, I plan to share resources, stories, awareness and hope throughout this month.

Statistics (2018)

• Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.

• An average of 132 Americans die by suicide each day

• 1.4 million Americans attempted suicide

• 90% of those who died by suicide had a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death

• Men died by suicide 3.6x more often than women

• Women are 1.4x more likely to attempt suicide

• The suicide rate was 1.5x higher for veterans than non-veterans

• 10.3% of Americans have thought about suicide

• 54% of Americans have been affected by suicide

• 48,344 Americans have died by suicide (2018)

These statistics represent individuals. Individuals who were struggling and did not know where to turn or had lost hope.  Individuals whose life has and will continue to impact so many other individuals. Look at these numbers not as statistics but as people. People like you and like me. We then begin to have more conversations around mental health.

Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention. Over the next 3 weeks, I’ll share links to organizations dedicated to restoring hope for those battling depression, brokenness, anxiety, addiction and suicide, provide informational resources to help recognize warning signs and risk factors of suicide, share stories of hope and aide in healing for those suffering from the loss of a loved one.

Join the movement as we bring awareness and advocate hope! Feel free to share this information (and on my Instagram and Facebook page) and use the resources in the upcoming weeks to start the conversation!

As Julie Wilson, the precious widow of Jarrid Wilson, wrote…”God has a beautiful plan for you. You are not forgotten. Your life matters.”

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255

Sources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention