September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, understanding and compassion about suicide and its prevention. The goal is to educate the public about the signs of suicidal behavior, and what the known leading risks are, promote mental health resources, and encourage open discussions about mental health issues. All of this must be done in a way that welcomes openness, flow and care and is almost impossible without compassion for each other. September is a reminder to us all to create safer spaces for everyone, even ourselves.

 

There are many causes of suicide such as uncontrollable influences from social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. This has caused a rising loss of lives, with approximately an 36% increase in deaths by suicide between 2000–2022 according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). With that tragedy, it’s become apparent that certain demographics are statistically more vulnerable to suicidal ideation and behaviors.  According to the CDC these are the top indicators: (taken from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html)

  1. Mental Health Factors: Individuals with conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
  2. Substance Abuse and/Addictions: People struggling with addictions may have an increased vulnerability
  3. History of Trauma or Abuse: Those who have experienced trauma, including physical or sexual abuse
  4. LGBTQ+ Community: Members of the LGBTQ+ community who face discrimination and social stigma
  5. Chronic Illness or Pain: Individuals suffering who experience feelings of hopelessness
  6. Social Isolation: People lacking strong social support networks may feel isolated and helpless

 

It’s important to be mindful that we know that for every life lost, there are many of those who have also attempted to take their own lives or struggle with thoughts of self-harm. With mental health being the top risk factor, and an estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States who according to the CDC who will have at least one major depressive episode, everyone should take this matter to heart with care, kindness and compassion. No one is exempt from the potential of a mental health crisis, feeling isolated, chronic pain or many of the items on the list above, you may even identify with some of them currently. All this data can help us to conclude that people are hurting and need support now.

 

Demographics aren’t the only factors impacting our rise in suicide rates. Circumstances in each person’s life are also a key factor. The actions of those around our lives can significantly influence our emotional and mental state. Here are several ways in which these actions can exacerbate circumstances:

  1. Stigmatization: Negative attitudes towards mental health issues can discourage individuals our ourselves from seeking help. No one should feel ashamed or embarrassed about their struggles or for seeking help.
  2. Dismissive Attitudes: When friends or family dismiss someone’s feelings or experiences as trivial or overreacting, it can lead to feelings of worthlessness and despair in the individual experiencing distress.
  3. Lack of Support: A lack of emotional support from loved ones can leave individuals feeling alone in their struggles. This isolation can intensify feelings of hopelessness.
  4. Encouraging Harmful Behaviors: In some cases, peers may inadvertently encourage risky behaviors.
  5. Failure to Recognize Warning Signs: Friends and family members may overlook warning signs such as withdrawal from social activities, changes in mood, or expressions of hopelessness. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely intervention.

 

Suicide prevention is a collective effort of empathy, understanding and compassion toward those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Knowing that most people may fall into a high-risk group at one time or another, we can understand how interpersonal dynamics affect mental health outcomes.  Approaching all people from a place of compassion and recognizing that everyone faces their own struggles, can cultivate a sense of accountability for us all. What portion of our actions and reactions do we actively reflect on and choose wisely based on how they may impact others? Are we creating spaces that support empathy and understanding? Or do we tend to push people or ourselves to their emotional limits?

 

Compassion is a central human quality that takes practice. We must be willing to freely recognize the suffering of others and take action to alleviate that suffering without seeking personal gain. Research indicates that feelings of isolation and lack of support are significant risk factors for mental health issues. On the contrary, when we can offer compassion, it may encourage others to feel seen, and valued, and seek help if needed. This month we can readdress and commit to prioritizing how important suicide prevention is and what part we can play in it every day. Suicide Prevention Month –  it’s a call for compassion.