September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September 10, 2022 is World Suicide Prevention Day (you can read more about this day from the International Association for Suicide Prevention and how they promote awareness worldwide). There are an average of 123 suicides each day in the USA. Further, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease study estimate that almost 800,000 people die from suicide every year. That’s one person every 40 seconds.

Although there have been great strides in raising awareness to suicide prevention, suicide remains a taboo topic. Suicide Prevention Month is a time to work to eliminate the stigma and debunk the myths associated with suicide, both of which can be the barrier to people accessing lifesaving treatment. A conversation about suicide is a very difficult conversation to have, but it can be done in a way that does not create further risk and it can help to save a life, by identifying risk factors before the individual has a crisis or go without treatment. One of the best things we all can do is provide a space to talk about mental health issues and topics in a nonjudgmental and compassionate manner. When we can work to understand the realities of suicide and debunk the myths associated with it, we can begin viewing these deaths with more understanding and compassion. You can read about how NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness debunks some of the common myths associated with suicide here.

Along with understanding the myths and spreading awareness, it is important to understand that there is hope and a treatment that works to reduce suicide rates for those suffering the most.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an empirically supported treatment for suicidal individuals. DBT was recently highlighted in the New York Times as The Best Tool We Have’ for Self-Harming and Suicidal Teens. The article notes “In a 2018 study in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, Dr. Berk and her colleagues found that D.B.T. led to sharper drops in suicide attempts and self- harm among adolescents than a more generalized therapy did.” If you are seeking a treatment that could save you or a family members life, DBT is recognized as the gold standard for treating suicide and self-harm. You can read more about Comprehensive DBT and what to expect here.

PCH unites with all to spread awareness and share resources during Suicide Awareness Prevention Month.

988-National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

WHO-Creating Hope Through Action

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Together we can make a difference to spread awareness, break the stigma, and save lives.