Mental Health Awareness

Is knowing about Suicide Awareness important?

Kirha Simoneau, Staff Writer • October 31, 2024

Suicide remains a devastating issue in the United States, ranking as the 11^th leading cause of death.

In 2022, there were estimated 1.6 million suicide attempts across the country, and tragically, 49,476 Americans lost their lives to suicide.

Youth at Risk: A Growing Concern

The most distressing trend in Suicide rates is the increasing number of young people.

In 2020, 581 children aged 10 to 14 died by suicide in the U.S., with the youngest reported case being just eight years old.

Suicide rates for children aged 5 to 14 have surged by 60% between 1991 and 2010, In the same year, 6,062 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 died by suicide.

Understanding the warning signs can save lives. Some of the key warnings signs to look out for include:

Talking about wanting to kill themselves
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Loss of interest in activates they once enjoyed
Feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
Withdrawing from family and friends
Sudden relief or improvement after a period of deep depression
Agitation or unexplained anger

Recognizing these signs early and taking immediate action can make all the difference action can make all the different.

Asking direct and caring questions, such as “How are you coping?” or “Do you know when you might act on these feelings?” can provide insight into the person’s state of mind and help guide intervention.

Supporting Someone in Crisis

Be compassionate and listen to their feelings without judgment
Never promise to keep their suicidal thoughts a secret
Offer reassurance that things can improve, but avoid dismissing their feelings
Encourage them to avoid alcohol and drugs, which can worsen suicidal tendencies
Remove any potentially dangerous items, such as firearms or medication, from their immediate environment

One of the students at Helena high school was asked some questions, and this is what they said.

What do you think are the most common misconceptions about suicide?

“People who do not go through suicidal thoughts often think that people who want to kill themselves are selfish for their actions, but that is one of the only things you think about when you are in that deep. It only makes you feel even worse and causes a bigger spiral.”

Can you share your understanding of suicidal awareness and why it is important?

“Suicide awareness is so important because it teaches people how to look for signs since they are often not obvious.

It also helps people feel like they have options other than suicide”

The therapist was also asked some questions, this is what she had to say.

How can increased suicide awareness lead to better mental health outcomes?

“Reducing stigma comes from talking openly about suicide and when we can talk openly about the signs and symptoms of suicide it helps people feel like they can talk and feel normal”

How do you personally cope with the emotional toll of working with clients who experience suicidal thoughts?

“Self-care is really important for therapist that work in this field and making sure I take time from this work like exercise and do things that bring me joy it helps me feel balance”

Depression Is Treatable, and Hope Is Possible

The statistics paint a grim picture, but there is hope.

Depression, a significant factor in suicide, is treatable, with many people finding relief through therapy and medication.

Additionally, 70-80% of individuals who die by suicide show warning signs before their death, making early invention possible. By raising awareness, supporting those in crisis, expanding access to mental health care.

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