Prevention is Key

Prevention is Key

Ever found yourself in a place you did not want to be?

Often, better preparation, more knowledge, or improved allocation of certain considerations, may have circumvented the regretful predicament.

This is especially true for suicide.

September is national suicide prevention and awareness month, week (10th-16th), and day (10th).

Prevention is possible through awareness which spotlights this otherwise hushed and avoided topic by unearthing it from the dismal trenches of societal obscurity and restoring it to the forefront complete with electrified notification.

We tend to not engage in subjects that make us feel uncomfortable, and that nagging discompose is partially responsible for magnifying the primary feelings associated with suicide in the vulnerable: isolation, loneliness, hopelessness, and unworthiness.

Even though there are more screenings, events, activities, and social media awareness, the numbers are horrifyingly grim with a five percent increase recorded from the prior year, and 2022 cataloged as the highest rate ever.

That number is dwarfed only by the staggering onslaught of just over a half a million suicide deaths from 2011 to 2022 with an incrementally adjusted suicide rate of sixteen percent.

These upwardly mobile numbers depict the steadily rising rate of mental health crises and highlight the urgent need for the placement of widely established and accessible crisis care.

The newly instituted 988 suicide and crisis lifeline with its 24/7 live phone, chat, and text venues has filled many pervasive gaps and granted hope and direction to the over five million callers since July 2022.

The broadband media aided in showcasing and introducing this vital service in order to help demystify mental health in general and alleviate crises all the while addressing those involved as the human beings they are and equipping them with the support and resources they deserve.

This is a life-saving strategy.

Stigma has long held this subject in its clutches, fortifying public fear and distrust which further promotes isolation and shame to those suffering.

Suicide is climbing the swiftest among people of color, youth, LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, and rural areas.

This is not surprising as intersected groups are at a higher risk of anomalies and abuses.

Nearly 50,000 lives were lost to suicide in 2022, rendering it the eleventh leading cause of death nationwide.

Gun-related suicides are a driving factor in the recent all-inclusive soaring numbers of almost 55 percent, pointing to another serious unattended problem with easily accessible firearms slipping into the wrong hands.

What can you do?

Action and intervention, not silence, must be the mantra.

If you believe someone is contemplating suicide, ask them directly, and use proper words like: are you thinking of killing yourself? or are you thinking about suicide?

You will not place ideas in their heads if they are not, and it could get a much-needed conversation jumpstarted.

Then in an effort to de-escalate, listen and offer emotional support - as much as is needed to ensure safety.

Once they are in a safe place emotionally, supplying them with resources can be invaluable and increase connectedness to help shatter the omnipresent illusion of isolation and no options.

If possible, help minimize stressors.

Secure firearms, medications, ropes, or any other chosen means so they can focus on staying safe.

With an estimated 1.7 million suicide attempts in 2021, there is still plenty of work to be done.

Another sobering statistic is that 132 suicides occur daily.

Some warning signs: verbalizing wanting to die or kill oneself, feeling hopelessness or unworthiness, not able to see another way out, withdrawing from family and friends, giving away their possessions, putting their affairs in order, recklessness, and saying good-bye to others.

Help is available and it can begin with you.

~ "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future," Jeremiah 29:11-12. ~

HEaling Link® will meet Tuesday, September 19, 2023 @ 7:30pm via Zoom. For more information, please contact Jackie: [email protected] Isn't it time to get Linked?