September is Suicide Prevention Month #knowmore4nomore
800,000 people worldwide die by suicide every year. That’s one person every 40 seconds, or 4 people in the time it takes you to read this blog post. The numbers are staggering, heartbreaking.
Every September we observe Suicide Prevention Month, and it’ll be no different this year. It’s common knowledge that the suicide epidemic is growing and has been for quite a while, and the current pandemic could be adding to the toll. People everywhere are dealing with issues resulting from our current health crisis. Some have lost jobs and wonder how they will pay the rent or buy groceries. Some have had to forgo important medical treatments and worry about that. Some are homeless, unable to shelter in place. And still others go out in the world every day to provide care – returning each night, hoping not to infect their families. Social distancing has turned into social isolation for many as they are separated from friends and loved ones.
But even so, there’s HOPE!
We often say that suicide is the most preventable cause of death. And it is, but it requires us to communicate, to be engaged with others, and sometimes that can be difficult when we don’t know the right questions to ask or the warning signs to look for. Until we know differently, many believe that even bringing up the topic of suicide will somehow encourage it or give someone a fateful idea. These barriers can keep people from reaching out to each other, and at ICPYAS we’re working to change that.
The best way to prevent suicide is to create the space to talk about it. A safe space that’s free of empty solutions and full of grace and empathy. A space where feelings are validated. The key is to approach any conversation about suicide with respect - let the person know that you truly care about them, that you’re concerned, and that you’re there for them. It may take more than one try before someone feels that they can trust you, so be both positive and persistent. Make sure they know there’s no time limit on your offer of help. It may take a while before they’re ready to engage, and that’s okay.
It’s also important to help make your friend or loved one aware of the support network in their own lives already. Ask if there are additional people they know who they can reach out to. Make sure they have contact information for those individuals readily available. Knowing that there are plenty of people they can turn to can help instill a level of hope, so the individual feels less alone.
Based on the statistics of suicide ideation, it’s really just a matter of time before we find ourselves in a position to offer help to someone. It’s not IF, it’s WHEN, and we want to be as prepared as possible. As the parent of a child who survived an intentional overdose a couple years ago, my goal in life is to make sure as many people as possible are trained. I’d love to see a parent in every household take our QPR suicide prevention training class, someone in every social circle be knowledgeable about what to do when someone is in crisis.
At ICPYAS we offer our QPR class to the community several times per month, and I’m always available to train employees, volunteers, parents, etc. Community training will be free during the month of September and I’m hopeful that people will take advantage of the opportunity to learn what words to use, how to ask hard questions, and the steps to take if someone indicates they are having suicidal thoughts.
The world can be a difficult place, and there are many unknowns, but one thing I am certain about is that the more we know, the more empowered we are. If we continue to make effort towards creating a culture that’s safe and respectful, more people will be able speak up and get the help that they need.
In health,
Erin Maynard, Suicide Prevention Coordinator