September is National Suicide Prevention Month

September 9, 2021

NATIONAL SUICIDE LIFELINE 1-800-273-8255 or text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to the Crisis Text Line.

For assistance with Referrals and Resources contact MEND at:

395 Hudson Street
5^th Floor
New York, NY 10014
212-366-7590 or MEND@NYCCBF.org

During September, the MEND program joins The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as part of the national movement to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

NAMI fights stigma, provides support, educates the public and advocates for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Visit www.NAMI.org.

It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide

Taking a minute to reach out to someone in your community – a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger – could change the course of another’s life.

People are often reluctant to intervene, for many reasons, including a fear of not knowing what to say. It is important to remember, there is no specific formula. Empathy, compassion, genuine concern, knowledge of resources and a desire to help are key to preventing a tragedy.

Another factor that prevents individuals from intervening is the worry of making the situation worse. This hesitance is understandable as suicide is a difficult issue to address, accompanied by a myth that suggests that talking about it may instigate vulnerable individuals to contemplate the idea or trigger the act.

Evidence suggests that this is not the case. The offer of support and a listening ear are more likely to reduce distress, as opposed to exacerbating it.

Individuals in distress are often not looking for specific advice. Warning signs of suicide include: hopelessness, rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge, acting reckless or engaging in risky activities – seemingly without thinking, feeling trapped like there’s no way out, increased alcohol or drug use, withdrawing from friends, family & society, anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time and dramatic mood changes.

The listening ear of someone with compassion, empathy and a lack of judgement can help restore hope. We can check in with them, ask them how they are doing and encourage them to tell their story. This small gesture goes a long way.

• Take a minute to notice what is going on with you, your family, your friends and your colleagues.
• Take a minute to reach out and start a conversation if you notice something is different.
• Take a minute to find out what help is available for both you and others.

It’s okay to talk about suicide to inspire others to help break the silence and ask, “are you ok?” to support someone struggling with some simple steps that could change a life.

Citation:
“World Suicide Prevention Day 2021.” International Association for Suicide Prevention. (September 2021). Take Time (iasp.info)