The Startling Numbers:
- Over 47,000 Americans died by suicide in 2019, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Globally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Importance of Awareness:
Prevention starts with awareness. Recognizing the signs and taking them seriously is the first step in preventing an attempt. Although it’s a complex issue that cannot be attributed to a single factor, common signs may include:
- Dramatic mood swings
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or feeling overwhelmed
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Drastic changes in behavior and personality
- Talking or writing about death and suicide
Taking Action:
- Education: Informing people about the signs, risks, and resources can prepare us to intervene when someone needs help.
- Communication: Talking about mental health and suicide reduces the stigma, making it easier for individuals to seek help.
- Community Engagement: Collaborate with schools, businesses, and communities to spread the word and provide resources for support.
- Resource Allocation: Fundraising for mental health initiatives ensures the availability of essential services and crisis hotlines.
How Tangible Movement is Making a Difference:
- Community Workshops: We organize workshops and training sessions on mental health, targeting various age groups and demographics.
- Collaboration: Partnering with local businesses and schools to create mental health spaces and provide resources.
- Resource Development: Our ongoing fundraising initiatives allow us to get in front of underprivileged communities and share stories about suicide from a lived experience point of view.
Final Words:
In this National Suicide Prevention Month, let’s take a vow to educate ourselves and others, to speak openly about mental health, and to take actionable steps that contribute to suicide prevention. Remember, every conversation started could be a life saved.
