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Olivia Kehres
Sep 225 min read

National Suicide Prevention Month



What and when is National Sucide Prevention Month? 

In 2008, September was officially recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. It was created in order to raise awareness and reduce stigma around the topic of suicide. The information that is campaigned during this month includes many resources to help those who have had current and/or past history of attempting suicide and/or thinking about attempting suicide and self-harm. This month may only last for 31 days, but it’s extremely important to be aware of just how many people have been affected by negative thoughts that lead to attempts and plans to commit suicide. Studies by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) have shown that about 14.0% of people per 100,000 people commit suicide each year and that suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. There are so many resources available that will always be ready and willing to help people with conflicting negativity they face, such as:

How do I recognize suicide?

Warning signs of suicidal ideation can be difficult to spot in others around you, and even in yourself. Some of the easier to spot signs are talking seriously about wanting to die/wishing to be dead, cuts on arms, legs, and/or other parts of the body, mood swings, risk taking, bad diet, bad sleeping habits, and constantly talking negatively about oneself. Some of the more hidden signs include emotions of guilt, shame, depression, anger, withdrawal, and feeling like a burden. However, these may not be always directly connected to suicide, they are still important to address no matter what. It's prudent to not be afraid to help someone, because you never know, (unless you try) if someone is in desperate need of a helping hand and smiling face. The harder to see warning signs can make you even more nervous to approach someone who you think might be having troubles with mental health and suicide, but if there is even a slight question in your brain, then go speak to them. Some ways to start an important conversation involving mental health might include something along the lines of… 


  • “Hey, my name is _____ how are you?”: This is a traditional way to start small talk, after this question try to get a conversation started and when you both feel comfortable ask them about your concerns.

  • Give them a sincere compliment: It’s usually pretty transparent when someone is given a fake/forced compliment. People who are negative towards themselves will have an extremely difficult time accepting a compliment.

  • “Do you mind if I sit with you?”: Alone time is good for some people, but if someone looks like they might be suicidal, its better to surround them with support. 

  • Starting just a normal conversation/making a real effort to become friends with this person: Sincerity is key to actually making a difference to help someone.

  • “Would you like to be partners/in a group with me?”: Inclusivity is a very easy way to help people feel better, being left out/alone is an extremely negative experience that constantly takes place in many people's lives.

  • Approach and start speaking with a silly joke or unique fun fact: It can help break the ice and put a smile on their face (this technique is also used for helping someone who is having a panic attack or anxiety attack).

  • If the situation looks more serious, try to talk to them about how they are feeling and stay with them until you are sure they’re ok: Deeper conversations may be necessary in more serious scenarios. Some people prefer deep conversations from the start.

  • Sometimes sitting in silence is all someone needs: Just knowing that a presence of caring and kindness is with them can do wonders for mental health. Actions speak louder than words.

  • “Do you need a hug?”: A hug can go a long way, but ask first in case they are someone who doesn't feel comfortable with physical affection.

  • Ask them about them: One of the reasons people struggle with mental health and self-hate is because they feel they’re not seen, heard, or understood which goes into feelings of worthlessness, and not being good enough for anyone.


How do I cope with thoughts and feelings of suicide?

Feeling suicidal and thinking about commiting suicide can be very scary. It may feel like there is no other option but to end your life. However, it’s very important to remember that this is just one moment in a lifetime and that you are strong enough to ride the wave. Negative thoughts and feelings will pass if you find ways to help yourself. Some coping strategies and support include seeking and getting help from a mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychologist, counselor, and/or psychiatrist. You may be on the fence about telling a stranger all your deepest darkest secrets, but these professionals care about their clients and will help you navigate through these tough times. They will provide coping mechanisms and welcome you with a safe, positive environment. This may be a process that takes some time, but it does work, and it will help. Talking to friends and family you feel comfortable with can help also. Just knowing that there is a support system behind you is beneficial. You could also create and follow a crisis plan/safety plan. You make this plan by writing lists of things that help you cope, people you feel comfortable will help you, etc. You can also do this in the form of a crisis box/hope box which is when you put a bunch of things that make you happy, that help you hope, and that you enjoy in a box. This link will take you to a website that goes more in depth on how to make the crisis plan and box:  (https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-symptoms/suicidal-thoughts-how-to-cope/)

Going to a safe place(s) and making sure harmful items (such as pills, razor blades, etc.) are not around you. Making sure you are safe and comfortable will help you feel calmer about yourself and the world around you. Practicing mindfulness will coax positivity into your life. If you surround yourself with smart, kind thinking and people, you will be more prone to be able to handle the situation when your brain tells you you should die or harm yourself.

There are so many ways you can cope with suicidal thoughts and feelings, you just need to find whats right for you, and there definitely will be something, it just may take a little longer to find the right technique that works for you and thats ok! 

Suicide is very real, and very important. If you or someone you know is experienceing thoughts and feelings about suicide, seek help immediately.  



YOU ARE NOT ALONE 

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