While September is wrapping up, it is a good time to talk about how the month is a time to spread awareness about suicide prevention.

During this month, we can dedicate time to remembering those we have lost to suicide, increase our understanding of mental health and mental illness and learn how to prevent suicide for our friends and family. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people in America ages 10-34. With numbers like that, it is clear to see mental illness needs to be paid closer attention to and learning about suicide prevention is a way to do that.

Mental health is important and has become very prevalent in today’s culture. Many people have taken a step back and been able to look out for themselves and others in ways we haven’t before.

However, not everyone is feeling as though mental health needs this attention. Some people believe these mental health days are making people “ lazy” and that therapy doesn’t really help. People are also quick to neglect the mental health of men, with 79% of all suicides being men. Men are often told to “man up” and this means not being able to let out emotions or share feelings, which can lead to suicide. Ignoring someone’s feelings is not a good way to deal with struggles, but letting someone know you’re there for them could make all the difference.

Over the past few years, people have begun to realize the problem with neglecting someone’s mental well being, in part due to the isolation experienced by all in 2020-2021. People all over the world were able to see how debilitating mental illness can be and it has lent many the opportunity to open their minds and hearts to loved ones who are struggling. Signs and symptoms that once flew under the radar are now able to be noticed and be taken care of, all because people have stopped and looked around at others around them.

Also, taking a mental health day or going to therapy have grown in popularity over the years, with 46% of adults with mental illness receiving help as of 2020 according to NAMI. These are valid and useful solution to help prevent suicides and encourage taking care of mental health.

Not only have people been able to help and save others from suicide, people have started to realize how bigotry is effecting minority’s mental health. Many LGBTQ+, African American, Asian and Hispanic people deal with harassment on a regular basis, and that does a number on mental health and self esteem. NAMI has done a study that shows transgender people are 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population. This can be attributed to a lack of safety in their lives and excessive, harmful bullying.

We are now able to have resources for these specific groups of people who struggle and allow them to have an outlet for their feelings. Treating everyone fairly and with equal respect is a way to prevent suicide that people have started to become more aware of.

There are many ways to help prevent suicide that are easy enough for everyone to do. Being kind and reaching out is sometimes all it takes to save a life. Remember that you don’t always know what someone is going through, so be gracious to people you know and people you don’t. You could also take some time this month to educate yourself on mental illness and resources, as well as good ways to reach out to someone.

Though the month of suicide prevention is coming to an end, continue to help out those in need, even when the month is over.