September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize seeking help.
Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Here are some key facts about suicide:
- 1 in 20 (5%) U.S. adults have serious thoughts of suicide each year
- About one person dies by suicide in the U.S. every 11 minutes
- 79% of all people who die by suicide in the U.S. are male
- Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to die by suicide
- In the U.S., suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and among people ages 15-24, and the 11th leading cause of death overall
Adult suicide warning signs include:
- Talking about or making plans for suicide
- Acting anxious, agitated, or behaving recklessly
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Chronic illness or serious physical health conditions
Youth suicide warning signs:
- Expressing hopelessness about the future
- Displaying severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress
- Increased physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and stomachaches, are commonly associated with emotional distress
- Changing or withdrawing from social connections or situations
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context
- Recent increased agitation or irritability
Talking about suicide isn’t harmful. Silence is. Opening up about your mental health journey, good, bad, or otherwise, can create a space for healing. One honest and caring conversation can make a difference and save a life. Studies show that people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way.
Call, text, or chat 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor offering support 24/7/365. And to learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.