World Suicide Prevention Day

TRIGGER WARNING: Suicidal thinking can be increased by reading about, or discussing, topics relating to suicide.

Please be aware that the topics inside this PSA could be triggering or overwhelming for some. If you find yourself needing to reach out, please be aware of local and national crisis lines (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines has a helpful list), find someone to talk to, or seek help at your local emergency health facility. Help is available and people with suicidal thinking receiving help experience significant relief and positive outcomes!

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day – where a (hopefully appropriate) spotlight on suicide prevention raises awareness to the tremendous amount of resources and support that exist out there in the world for people who are struggling with suicidal thinking.

One of the biggest misconceptions would be that suicide behavior or thinking is only for people with mental illness. Risk factors and protective factors don't work like that. Just like all humans are at risk for heart attack (some, extremely low compared to most humans, some extremely high), all of us have various risk factors that push us towards suicidal thinking and protective factors that push us away. Mental illnesses add to our suffering but so do physical illnesses, stressors, bad news, poor sleep, etc. There are hundreds of risk and protective factors that all work in different directions to influence suicide risk. Living through a pandemic, like we are currently, can be a risk factor as well so taking time to seek help and talking to your loved ones or anyone you trust is important.

Mental Health is a spectrum so remember that it is okay to have good days and bad days but never feel that you are alone. Check on your loved ones and friends even if they say they’re fine. We can all do our part to prevent suicide.