September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. While suicide prevention is important year-round, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to inform and engage health professionals and the community about the warning signs of suicide and how to prevent it. The goal is to foster honest conversations about this difficult topic; encourage people to seek mental health assistance; support those who have attempted suicide; and provide resources to individuals, friends, and families affected by suicide.
Suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 14, the third leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 24, and the twelfth leading cause of death overall in the U.S. Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to die by suicide – 79% of all people who die by suicide are male. LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
Knowing the warning signs of suicide and how to get help can save lives. To learn more, click here.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also view internal and external resources available to Cooper team members here and here.