The past year has taught us a lot about our mental health, and people have become more comfortable with discussing mental health since the pandemic began. Being able to openly discuss depression, anxiety, stress, and other issues will help us feel like we are not alone, but it will also help end the stigma surrounding mental health. That’s why September is significant, as it is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and September 5th-11th is National Suicide Prevention Week. According to CDC data, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and there were an estimated 1.39 million suicide attempts in 2019.
By working together, we can make a difference towards reducing suicides through the implementation of prevention strategies. Strategies include: knowing the warning signs, becoming familiar with available resources, and being open for communication. The point of this important week is to shine a light on this stigmatized topic, instill hope in those that are suffering, and become aware of the resources that are out there for people that are having thoughts and ideations.
We have many books on this subject that can share insight into coping with the loss of someone or those that have survived suicide attempts.
Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt by Kevin Hines
This memoir details the diagnosis of bipolar disorder on 19-year-old Hines and the mental distress that ultimately led to his jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. While he survived the fall, this work also documents the hard work involved in being mentally well.
Life After Suicide: Finding Courage, Comfort and Community After Unthinkable Loss by Jennifer Ashton
You may recognize Dr. Jennifer Ashton from tuning into ABC News, as she is a chief medical correspondent for ABC, and she is a frequent guest on Good Morning America. In Life After Suicide, Dr. Ashton details her divorce, her husband taking his own life afterward, and how she coped in the aftermath. Part memoir, part comforting guide, Dr. Ashton’s work provides an insight into support after losing someone to suicide.
Project Semicolon: Your Story Isn’t Over by Amy Bleuel
Project Semicolon started in 2013 with the message that no one struggling with mental illness is alone. You can survive and live a life full of joy and happiness. Since its inception, thousands of people worldwide have tattooed a semicolon on their bodies and have shared what they’ve endured mentally. This work provides stories and pictures from people that have struggled with mental illness and the traumas that they’ve endured. Project Semicolon documents this incredible movement and how to support those experiencing mental health struggles.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you don’t feel comfortable talking on the phone, you can text NAMI to 741741 to be connected to a trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
You can find more information on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website at www.afsp.org
Thank you for highlighting this important subject and for providing people with resources that may help them through their own mental health issues.