September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month Let’s Prevent Suicide – Together. Learn the statistics. Suicide is a growing issue in the United States, impacting millions of families and communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in 2019, contributing to about 1 death every 11 minutes. What’s even higher is the number of people thinking about or attempting suicide. · 12 million people seriously thought about suicide · 3.5 million people planned a suicide attempt · 1.4 million people attempted suicide · 47,500 people died from suicide Know the warning signs. · Talking about unbearable pain or suffering · Talking about wanting to die · Talking about being a burden to others · Talking about feeling a lot of shame or guilt · Engaging in reckless behaviors · Withdrawing or isolating from others · Displaying extreme mood swings · No longer showing interest in the future · Giving away possessions · Sleeping or eating more or less · Using drugs or alcohol more often · Showing extreme anger or rage · Saying goodbye · Putting affairs in order, such as making a wil Be a source of support. The National Institute of Mental Health provides 5 steps that you can take: 1. Ask the direct question: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Doing so, will not increase suicide thoughts or suicides. 2. Help keep them safe by reducing access to lethal items or places. 3. Be present to listen and acknowledge their feelings. Research suggests that doing so may reduce suicidal thoughts. 4. Help them connect to sources of support. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK (8255)) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) are helpful resources to keep saved in your phone. 5. Stay connected and follow-up. Studies have shown that doing so reduces suicide deaths. Reach out. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing the warning signs it is important to reach out to a trained professional. Our clinicians at Wellness Grove are here to help. We also work with individuals who have attempted suicide, and those who are survivors of suicide. You are not alone. Join the movement. The National Alliance on Mental Health provides images and graphics that you can use on your social media accounts and website. Use #SuicidePrevention or #Together4MH Share this newsletter with someone else. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month | 
