Information for Suicide Prevention Month

from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and #BeThe1To

Shared 9/11/24

This month, and every month:

If you or someone you know are in crisis contact 988 suicide & crisis lifeline by call, text, or chat 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor offering support 24/7/365.

Know the Facts.

Some statistics from NAMI: (nami.org/suicidepreventionmonth)

Individual Impact:

  • 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
  • Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
  • 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition — but research suggests that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

Community Impact:

  • Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
    • U.S. Adults: 4.8%
    • Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander: 7.4%
    • Mixed/Multiracial: 8.2%
    • American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.5%
    • Young adults aged 18-25: 13%
    • High school students: 22%
    • LGBTQ youth: 41%
  • The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, followed by non-Hispanic white people.
  • Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
  • Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life compared to their peers.
  • Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.

Data from CDC, NIMH and other select sources.

What can we do if we encounter someone who may be suicidal?

#BeThe1To was designed to help. 

#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, spreading the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope. Together, we can prevent suicide by learning to help ourselves, help others, seek consultation from trained providers (hotlines and clinicians) and to seek hospital care when necessary. #BeThe1To is created by the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration & administered by Vibrant Emotional Health.

Five evidence-based action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal, from #BeThe1To (https://www.bethe1to.com/join/)

Click on the poster from #BeThe1To below to go to their website for more information on how each of these action steps can help.

Ask.
“How – Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way.”
“Why – Studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. In fact, studies suggest the opposite: findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.”

Be There.
How – “make sure you follow through with the ways in which you say you’ll be able to support the person –do not commit to anything you are not willing or able to accomplish.”
“Why –  Being there for someone with thoughts of suicide is life-saving. Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation (both in the short and long-term) has shown to be a protective factor against suicide.”

Help Keep Them Safe.
“How – First of all, it’s good for everyone to be on the same page. After the “Ask” step, and you’ve determined suicide is indeed being talked about, it’s important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety.”
“Why – Knowing the answers to each of these questions can tell us a lot about the imminence and severity of danger the person is in.”

Help Them Connect.
“How – Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports (like the 988 Lifeline) can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis.”
“Why – Impact of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline found that individuals that called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by the end of calls handled by Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training-trained counselors.”

Follow Up.
“How – After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing.”
“Why – This type of contact can continue to increase their feelings of connectedness and share your ongoing support. There is evidence that even a simple form of reaching out, like sending a caring postcard, can potentially reduce their risk for suicide.”

Headrest is the Upper Valley’s local, trusted resource and 988 response team.
See posters below for information about a Survivors Support Group and September 14th Light up the Lake event sponsored by Eastman Community Association to raise awareness and support suicide prevention.

If you or someone you know are in crisis, contact 988 Suicide & crisis lifeline by Call, text, or chat 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor offering support 24/7/365.
#SuicidePreventionMonth

Works Cited:

“Join Us and Help Save a Life.” #BeThe1To, 30 Apr. 2024, www.bethe1to.com/join/.

“Suicide Prevention Month.” NAMI, 30 Aug. 2024, www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Month/.

Every Wednesday, CommunityCare of Lyme lifts up a wellness topic, embracing the widest possible definition of individual and community well-being. We include local and national resources, individual and group programs and practices, and personal stories, videos, or songs that have something to teach us all. We are always seeking guest contributors! 

If you have a wellness-themed topic you would like to share or learn more about, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org

Shelby Whittet
Manager of Volunteer Participation
CommunityCare of Lyme
Shelby@cclyme.org
802-468-7776 (cell)
603-795-0603 (CCL office and help line)