SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW


By akirschbaum
September is suicide prevention month.

Mental health is one of the most important things that a person should look out for. This is because it can affect one's well-being and functionality. September is suicide prevention month, and it has been commemorated since 2008. This month has become a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, connect with individuals suffering from suicidal tendencies, and is a time to raise awareness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, yearly, there are around 41,000 individuals who die by suicide. As a result, they leave their family and friends with the massive tragedy of their loss. Self-destruction is ranked as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. among adults. And, it is the 2nd leading cause among ages 10-24 years old. These numbers keep on increasing each year. Military personnel are not excluded from this, as there are numerous incidents across the military. In 2022, there were 75 reported cases, and in 2023, it increased to 94 in the first quarter alone.

How Can You Tell If Anyone Needs Help?

Detecting if a person needs help can be challenging, but since September is suicide prevention month, knowing some of the noticeable signs and symptoms is vital. But remember to continually raise awareness, not just this month, but as long as you can. You might be able to save a life. To help family and friends, Veterans, or service members, the Department of Veterans Affairs has listed various warning signs on its website for which you should look out. Some of these warning signs include not having a solution to every problem, agitation, hopelessness, changes in mood, anger, sleeplessness, drug/alcohol abuse, isolation, risky behavior, and having the feeling of no reason to live. But immediate medical attention is needed if you observe some of these symptoms, such as having thoughts about self-harm, self-destructive behavior being observed, a person is exploring various ways to end one's self, and a person is always talking about dying, death, or suicide. Observing these symptoms during September suicide prevention month is vital. Some situations need to be considered since having post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, alcohol abuse, and other medically related problems can contribute to suicidal feelings. An intervention such as talk-based therapies or counseling is vital to approach these feelings appropriately. In some cases, a medical approach is necessary.

Data in Terms of Numbers in the Military

The strong, brave service members are not excused for having this mental illness, but the department is doing everything it can to help those who are in need. Thus, they are actively making regulations to help prevent it.The Marine Corps had experienced an increase in deaths from 8 in 2022 to 14 in 2023. While the Navy and the Space Force didn't see any increase from 2022, the Air Force saw a small spike in numbers from 16 deaths to 17 in 2023. Lastly, suicide deaths in the military's reserve components remained the same for the last three months, with 41 deaths.In 2021, data released by the Department of Defense states that there were 114 spouses and 54 dependents who committed suicide. Firearms are the standard methods in use by service members and their families. September is suicide prevention month, and we must guard those people who need help.

Suicide Prevention Month Hotline

Don't hesitate to initiate the call if you observe that a Vet or a service member is suffering from the symptoms of suicide. You can easily call the Military/Veterans Crisis hotline for support. They are open 24 hours, and everything will be confidential. Dial 988 and press 1 or visit https://988lifeline.org; this shorter phone number will allow people to remember and access help easily. You can also have the option to text 838225 or chat with them online at MilitaryCrisisLine.net.Related reads:


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