Suicide Prevention Month

September is considered Suicide Prevention Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about one person dies by suicide in the U.S. every 11 minutes. In the United States, suicide is the leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and among people ages 15-24.

When I took a training course on suicide prevention many years ago, I remember one thing that stuck with me is that is important to talk to youth directly about suicide and whether they are having any suicidal thoughts. As NAMI indicates on the website, “One honest, caring conversation can save a life.”

You can learn more about Suicide Prevention Month by visiting: nami.org/spm

If you, or anyone you know is in crisis call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7.

* This blog contains information for reference purposes only.