Suicide prevention week is September 10 - 16, 2023. This week is designed to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, so more people feel that they can reach out for help. By educating ourselves about mental health we can facilitate proactive prevention throughout our communities and look out for those that are suffering. |
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Suicide rates have been trending upward for many years. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2023), indicates that from the year 2000 to 2018, the rate of suicide went up 37%. Suicide now ranks as the 11th leading cause of death through all age ranges. For those aged 15-24, it is the second leading cause of death (CDC, 2023). |
Suicide is rarely caused by a single event but most likely a culmination of physical and mental health issues, socioeconomic status as well as substance use.
The following are known risk factors associated with suicide:
| • | Mental illness (particularly depression) |
| • | Physical illness and chronic pain |
| • | Alcohol or drug misuse |
| • | Loss (relational, social, work or financial) |
| • | Easy access to lethal methods (most common firearms) |
| • | Unwillingness to seek help |
| • | Isolation |
| • | Barriers to accessing mental health treatment |
| • | Previous suicide attempt |
| • | History of trauma |
| • | Family history of suicide |
| • | Aggressive or impulsive behavior |
(Suicide Prevention Center, 2023)
Just as there are many risk factors for suicide, there are protective factors as well. Many factors can reduce risk for suicide including effective care for mental, physical and substance use disorders (CDC, 2023). Social connectedness, problem solving skills, conflict resolutions, sense of community and cultural and religious beliefs. |
Raise Awareness - Observe suicide prevention week by raising awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Educate - Educate ourselves and others within the community about the risk factors and what to do if someone needs help.
Be on the lookout - Most of those suffering from mental health issues don’t reach out for help, so be on the look out for warning signs and offer assistance. Keep them safe, be there, help them connect with needed resources and make sure to follow up. |
Suicide is serious and on the rise. Suicide is a public health concern, that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families and whole communities. Suicide is preventable. Everyone can help prevent suicide by raising awareness, learning warning signs, promoting prevention and knowing community resources.
Consider joining the “Stomp out Suicide” event in Jackson on September 10, 2023. |
| • | 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline |
| • | 988lifeline.org - Chat |
| • | Jackson College Oasis Center - during hours 517.990.1300, After hours 517.787.7920 |
| • | Michigan Crisis Text line - Text the keyword RESTORE to 741741. Open 24/7. |
| • | Lifeways - 1200 N. West Ave. Jackson. 517.789.1200 |
| • | Michigan 24-hour crisis line: 800.284.8288 |
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