Suicide Prevention Resources And Statistics: National Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) and National Suicide Prevention Day are celebrated on September 10th each year. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) organizes WSPD (which is endorsed by the World Health Organization) to encourage understanding and promote the confidence to take action.

What is National Suicide Prevention Day?

National Suicide Prevention Day and WSPD serve as a time to create hope through action in an attempt to prevent suicide in communities worldwide. It was established in 2003 by the ISAP and World Health Organization (WHO) to advocate for preventing suicide and suicide attempts. 

Over the years, many organizations, groups, and businesses have spoken up in solidarity with the effort, and the event is observed in over 60 countries. Each year, a world report is released with statistics on the organization's reach in various communities. There is no singular message in this movement, as it focuses on various aspects of suicide prevention and care. 

How to drive awareness to World Suicide Prevention Day?

On World Suicide Prevention Day each year, you can increase awareness of suicide prevention and statistics in your community by using the golden yellow and orange ribbon on social media. You can also use the hashtag #WSPD to post about suicide awareness and help increase mental health literacy. 

Other ways you can start creating hope and raising public awareness could include the following: 

• Encouraging others to get a mental health screening each year

• Sending a message to check in with your friends and loved ones 

• Attending a Suicide Prevention Day event

• Organizing your own event 

• Wearing a yellow and orange ribbon on a shirt 

• Writing to your local government to encourage legislation for suicide prevention 

• Asking local businesses to participate 

• Attending a suicide prevention parade or march 

• Lighting a candle in memory of those lost 

You can also participate in the ISAP's annual event called Cycle the Globe, which takes place on World Suicide Prevention Day. The organization allows you to register through the site. However, if you cannot participate, you can cycle in your community for any distance, go to the gym, or run a track to raise awareness. The event is free to participate in. 

Suicide prevention statistics 

Although suicide accounts for a significant proportion of deaths in the United States, the rate of suicides in the country has declined since 2019, and suicide is preventable. Due to education, increasing efforts, and awareness, many people affected by suicidal thoughts are able to receive support when they may not have known it was possible before. 

Some groups are at more significant risk for suicide or self-harm, such as those living in rural areas, Indigenous groups, middle-aged adults, LGBT community members, and veterans. Suicide prevention efforts targeted at these communities may be beneficial in future years, and some organizations have already implemented them. For example, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Maine worked in 2020 to implement training for caregivers to recognize suicide risk factors in older adults. 

In young people, the CDC reports that Colorado, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Vermont have reduced the reach to lethal means, or potentially deadly items, like firearms, for children. They recommend the CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means course for any medical providers, therapists, or individuals who work with at-risk youth. The course makes suicide prevention a public health priority and teaches providers about youth suicide statistics, firearm assessments, evaluation, and negotiation of restricting means. 

There are many other hopeful statistics you can learn this year, including the following: 

• There was a 3.4% rate decrease in suicide from 2019 to 2020, and 50% of Americans experiencing an episode of major depression received treatment 

• The 988-crisis number was federally recognized and became available in 2022 to provide crisis support for those who need it in hopes of saving lives

• The lowest rates of suicide in 2020 were in California, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, which are all states that have implemented suicide prevention laws 

Although overall rates pertaining to suicide are still high, there may be positive effects of suicide prevention efforts in the U.S. Because suicide can be prevented, sending a hopeful message that prevention is possible can be an encouraging light for someone who may be experiencing difficulty creating hope in their life. 

Why is suicide prevention necessary? 

Suicide prevention is necessary to remove means to suicide methods, spread awareness of the causes of suicide, provide hope, focus attention on statistics, and provide mental health services to minority communities. 

A recent study on suicide prevention found that suicide prevention programs that implement clear objectives and targets can save lives and reduce the rates of suicide. Isolated actions in the study were less likely to have significant outcomes in the general population, so the study suggests organizations provide a worldwide commitment to public health priority measures, healthcare follow-up, and social support as the leading features of a successful prevention campaign. 

Suicide prevention resources

Below are a few suicide prevention resources that anyone can use, including those who struggle with mental health conditions, their families, and people in the community hoping to make a change. Spread awareness of these resources during National Suicide Prevention Month when creating hope in your community to increase the use of services in your community and worldwide. 

Non-profits and organizations 

There are several organizations dedicated to encouraging suicide prevention efforts around the world and in the US. You can find more information on the following sites: 

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center

• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

• SAVE Non-Profit

• International Association for Suicide Prevention

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is an organization that was founded to specifically focus attention on the impact of suicide and mental health crises on LGBTQ youth. They report that LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide. For this reason, the project was created to offer support, crisis counseling, and digital services for those under 24. 

To support The Trevor Project, you can apply to volunteer as a crisis support worker or partner with the organization to provide suicide prevention resources. Individuals aged 13-24 can also sign up for TrevorSpace, an online community for LGBTQ people to gain advice, find support, hear other people's stories, and make friends. 

Suicide prevention parades and events

The various activities for suicide prevention may change each year. In 2023, the IASP World Congress will be held in Piran, Slovenia, from September 19th to 23rd. 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also lists several events that will be occurring in 2023, including the following: 

• Save a Life Gala, 2023—The Lucy – Philadelphia, PA

• Hike for Hope- Galveston, McGuire Dent Rec Center- Galveston, TX

• Party for Prevention- Georgia, Monday Night Brewing – The Garage in Atlanta, GA

• Golf for Hope- Glow in the Dark, Continental Golf Club – Scottsdale, AZ

• Wisconsin Hike for Hope, Devil's Lake State Park- Baraboo, WI

• Race AFSP 2023, Chicago Marathon – Chicago, IL

If you're interested in starting an event, you can also contact a local AFSP chapter to add yours to the list. 

Hotlines 

If you are in crisis, know someone who is, or need someone to talk to, the following hotlines and mental health advocates of suicide prevention and health are available. If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, suicidal behaviors, or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline below:  

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 or 988 

• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

• Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Youth Lifeline): (866) 488-7386 

• SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800) 662-4357

• National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)

• Child Help Hotline: For children and teens under 18 at 1-800-422-4453 or through the online chat feature.

Ways to prevent suicides

There are many ways to promote suicide prevention among your community members each year, including the following. 

Talk to your loved ones about mental health 

Raising awareness about mental health topics and suicide prevention can be one step in helping others know they have the option to get support. Even if you feel that no one you know is at risk of suicide, signs may not always be apparent. People may hide their mental health symptoms out of shame due to mental health stigmas. Studies show that reducing the stigma of mental health conditions is essential to encourage others to seek help. 

If there is a Suicide Prevention Week or World Suicide Prevention Day event in your area, consider asking family members and friends to join you in supporting the cause. 

Check in with those you love

Similarly, it may be beneficial to regularly check in with those you love about their mental health. You could ask questions like: 

• How have you been feeling the last two weeks? 

• Are you doing okay? 

• I noticed you've been isolating lately. Is there anything I can do for you? 

• Have you gotten a mental health screening recently? 

If someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, offer them resources, hotlines, and emotional support. Let them know it is okay to come to you with their concerns and try to check in as often as possible. 

Take a mental health screening test

To support yourself for National Suicide Prevention Week, consider taking a mental health screening test to ensure mental wellness. Anyone can take these tests, and there are also free tests online offered by the Mental Health America organization. If you get a positive result on any screening tests, reach out to a mental health professional, like a counselor, to discuss your results and develop a treatment plan. 

Reach out to a counselor 

Reaching out for help can be brave, and over 41.4 million adults in the US see a therapist each year. A counselor could be a rewarding option if you're struggling with your mental health, have been diagnosed with a condition, or have stress you want to discuss. 

Common reasons individuals may not see a counselor include cost, distance, and availability of counselors in their area. In these cases, you might also consider an online therapist. Online therapy is often cheaper than in-person, and you can choose between phone, video, and live chat sessions. Additionally, research has proven that internet-based counseling is as effective as other modalities in treating the impact of long-term exposure to stress.

If you're interested in reaching out for support, consider a platform like BetterHelp, which offers a database of counselors specializing in many topics, conditions, and issues.